guard 1 of 3

1
2
as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in lock
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in guide
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

guard

2 of 3

verb (1)

guard (against)

3 of 3

verb (2)

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of guard
Noun
The digital dashboard clearly displays your battery percentage, so you’re never caught off guard. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 14 May 2025 While walking the red carpet for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s 2025 Hot Pink Party Tuesday (May 13), the actress looked slightly caught off guard when Entertainment Tonight asked about her connection with the country star — but that didn’t stop her from gushing about her new sweetheart. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 May 2025
Verb
Country star Morgan Wallen says he's become more guarded since becoming a dad to son Indigo Wilder. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 16 May 2025 Since its inception roughly 50 years ago, the recipe remains nearly identical and closely guarded. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • Most rides have a family waiting area for parents or guardians to switch off with kids who either can’t or don’t want to ride.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Calton hopes their story continues to challenge misconceptions about guardian breeds like the bullmastiff, showing the sweet, playful, and loyal sides of these gentle giants.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • But in the process, many in her party were targeted with accusations of not protecting children, and the issue put Democrats on the defensive.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2025
  • The administration has put Harvard and other universities on the defensive in many other ways too.
    Philip Hackney, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Everything on this bottle does double duty: the protective push-to-open lid keeps the spout clean, the convenient carry loop doubles as a lock, and the double-walled insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
    Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 16 May 2025
  • And Michigan is no lock to enter the Week 4 clash with a number beside its name.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Progress on the bill stalled after ultraconservative members of the House Freedom Caucus demanded further changes, including tax cuts, sweeping changes to Medicaid and food benefits, border security, defense funding and more.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The Pacers are exhausting, owners of a top-10 defense since early December.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Guests have private vehicles and partner with a tracker/guide team for the duration of their stay.
    Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025
  • Our guide features top picks that frequent fliers will truly appreciate.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • But bear defenders argue that people have encroached into bear habitat — not the other way around.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025
  • Her absence can’t be overstated given the league’s need for willing defenders for transformational talent on opposing contending teams.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The school board approved the closing of three elementary schools and the elimination of 19 teaching jobs and more than 100 other jobs, including 25 custodians.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
  • To further preserve the complete privacy of the conclave, the support staff — including chefs, cleaners and custodians — all took an oath of secrecy, of which the punishment for breaking it is excommunication, CBS News reported.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • With major funding and staffing cuts curtailing the federal agencies responsible for overseeing, inspecting, and testing the U.S. food supply for safety, keeping the industry properly regulated is becoming increasingly challenging.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • When Fermin Lopez was singing at the top of his voice on the safety bar of the bus, Flick was holding him from behind to prevent him from falling.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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