as in protecting
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as in defense
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in defending
to drive danger or attack away from
guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blockading
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point
a fire-breathing dragon guarded the entrance to the castle
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of guarding
Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
Painful stiffness that varies dramatically in intensity based on stress levels, sleep quality or emotional state also suggests protective guarding.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Angela Pelster, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Longtime American allies who have been guarding tens of thousands of Islamic State fighters and their families agreed this week to be integrated into the Syrian armed forces.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026
With Minnesota leading by four and 1 minute, 10 seconds to play, Edwards got lackadaisical in his off-ball defense while guarding Chicago’s most potent scorer, Coby White.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2026
Junior Waleed Muhammad, who played nearly every minute of this game, guarding the opponents top player.
—Marielle Mohs, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
An unsung hero for Burlington was junior forward Leon Sekandi, who exhibited grit and determination while guarding Sarpong, who is an incredibly tough matchup at 6-foot-7.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
At 6-foot-5, 181 pounds, Griffen may be tasked with guarding the shifty 6-foot guard.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
Exercises include guarding critical infrastructure and operating fighter aircraft in Arctic conditions.
—Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Note the dress’s high neckline and the knee-length boots as well; perfect for guarding you against frigid winds.
—Krista Carter, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
Noun
The internet is obsessed with a giant dog trying to show his guarding skills against an unusual trespasser.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
Painful stiffness that varies dramatically in intensity based on stress levels, sleep quality or emotional state also suggests protective guarding.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
People will also be asking who has a building big enough for our subset group of archivists documenting, artists making things, community organizers gathering, professors panicking, singers singing, parents guarding in order to gather us together again.
—Angela Pelster, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Longtime American allies who have been guarding tens of thousands of Islamic State fighters and their families agreed this week to be integrated into the Syrian armed forces.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026
With Minnesota leading by four and 1 minute, 10 seconds to play, Edwards got lackadaisical in his off-ball defense while guarding Chicago’s most potent scorer, Coby White.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2026
Junior Waleed Muhammad, who played nearly every minute of this game, guarding the opponents top player.
—Marielle Mohs, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
An unsung hero for Burlington was junior forward Leon Sekandi, who exhibited grit and determination while guarding Sarpong, who is an incredibly tough matchup at 6-foot-7.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
At 6-foot-5, 181 pounds, Griffen may be tasked with guarding the shifty 6-foot guard.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
Exercises include guarding critical infrastructure and operating fighter aircraft in Arctic conditions.
—Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Note the dress’s high neckline and the knee-length boots as well; perfect for guarding you against frigid winds.
—Krista Carter, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarding
Noun
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In defense of the project, the developers say low-income housing is greatly needed in Placer County, and the population boom would support growth for local businesses.—
Ashley Sharp,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The Celtics opened with one of their most dominant quarters of the season, outscoring the Blazers 32-11 through balanced offense and smothering defense.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Our students, families, and taxpayers deserve leaders who put the best interests of the community first, not individuals who appear focused on protecting one another instead of protecting the integrity of our school system.—
Ashley Paul,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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But many environmental experts, including Earthjustice senior attorney Mychal Ozaeta, say the proposal caters to the coal industry rather than protecting communities.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Witnesses report that other vehicles besides Good's were blockading unmarked immigration agent vehicles with their emergency LED lights activated.—
Dana Kelley,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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But others describe the reality of the early weeks, where discussion was completely hampered by Israel's insistence on fully blockading aid into Gaza.—
Tom Bowman,
NPR,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Free-solo climber Alex Honnold was reportedly paid about $500,000 to climb the Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or protection, an act that carried a nontrivial risk of death.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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These plans are not insurance, and therefore not subject to the Affordable Care Act's rules or protections, says Joann Volk, a professor at Georgetown University who studies private insurance markets.—
Mahsa Saeidi,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Newcastle face the toughest task, playing defending European champions PSG in Paris knowing even a win won’t guarantee them a top-eight spot because of goal difference potentially coming into play.—
Eduardo Tansley,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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But Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has refused to budge, defending blue slips as a core component of the Senate’s constitutional role in providing advice and consent.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The three individuals then ran back into the apartment building, barricading themselves inside, the agency said.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
15 Jan. 2026
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The trailer wastes little time establishing its pressure-cooker premise, quickly barricading five teenagers inside their high school as their hometown collapses into chaos.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Executives and boards need to realize that choices made about the gathering, storing, and safeguarding of data have a direct impact on the risk and reputation of the company.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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If members had not agreed on the new safeguarding changes, a vote on Israel’s participation could have been held, the EBU said.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The goal is to enhance our lives by sharing safety measures, shielding each other from outside dangers; advancements in intelligence; and natural resources.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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Repairs are carried out by torchlight, giant sandbags shielding what still works.—
Derek Gatopoulos,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guarding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarding. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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