GUARDS Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

guards 1 of 2

noun

plural of guard

as in wardens

a person or group that watches over someone or something checked in with the security guard at the gate

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as in defensives

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

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offensives

as in locks

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

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as in defenses

means or method of defending the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard

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as in guides

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

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as in defenders

someone that protects a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity

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guards

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of guard

as in protects

to drive danger or attack away from guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked

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as in blockades

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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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 guards

Noun

But veteran guards such as Norman Powell don’t want to couch their inefficiency on the boards in any excuses about a new scheme. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026 The roster still asks its young guards to learn how to run an NBA offense while carrying much of the responsibility for keeping it functional. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026 Kawasaki The bike also gets nifty touring extras like hand guards, aluminum engine guards, and a taller windshield as standard. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026 After serving the state for decades, retired generals and senior cadres are often reduced to working as guards or market vendors. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026 He was joined by guards Carmelo Pacheco and Tanner Jones and backup center Elijah Hulsewe. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Students were randomly assigned to the roles of guards or inmates, with the guards pressured to maintain order by any means necessary. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026 In a possible Supreme Court case, border guards’ invasions of privacy collide with the Fourth Amendment. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 Head coach Mark Campbell has helped develop future WNBA guards like Sabrina Ionescu, Hailey Van Lith and Olivia Miles. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026

Verb

Three four-year starters — guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer and forward Trey Kaufman-Renn — have departed. — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026 While in the forest Lakshmana helps secure food and shelter, carries weapons, and guards Rama and Sita. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 Heat guards Davion Mitchell and Pelle Larsson were effective as the ball handlers in the pick-and-roll, too. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026 At least three of their top five scorers return with forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and guards Isaac Asuma and Bobby Durkin. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Prior to Monday night’s loss to the visiting Dallas Mavericks that created this 0-4 hole, guards Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell spoke of disjointed defense, of being uncertain when to expect help, when to do it alone. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 The router comes with Advanced Router Protection, which guards your router, and a 30-day trial for Netgear Armor Security. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 The Lakers also were without center Walker Kessler (finger), guards Austin Reaves (ankle) and Collin Sexton (lower body), and two-way forward Arthur Kaluma (lower body), who all missed their second consecutive preseason game. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 However, Lucille guards dark secrets hidden in her family’s home, and with Edith’s ability to commune with the dead, the things the Sharpes have been trying to hide within the walls of Crimson Peak begin to burst forth. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guards

Noun

According to the post, Kentucky State Police Aviation saw smoke in the area, and wardens and search and rescue personnel were able to access the location, near the headwaters of Cave Run Lake, using a boat.

— Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026
Game wardens did arrest nine people across Georgia for boating under the influence, the majority of whom were at Lake Lanier.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of wardens

Noun

From heating systems and smart TVs to security cameras, door locks and ovens, millions of household appliances are now online.

— Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Thanks to its textured surface, filled with tiny cuts, cube steak locks in seasonings, marinades, sauces, and breadings exceptionally well.

— Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of locks

Noun

From counter-drone defenses to advanced sensors integrated into tanks and fighter jets, the technologies transforming the battlefield are also changing, or even expanding, the markets served by legacy defense giants.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
The design will support future upgrades as the Navy adapts its defenses to emerging threats.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of defenses

Noun

They are used to evacuate trekkers and guides suffering from illness or exhaustion amid the region's cold temperatures and high altitude, according to The Associated Press (AP).

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Khirani told me that guides have to submit their plans to the military, including the identities of guests and staff, along with car registration numbers.

— Heather Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of guides

Noun

OpenAI is also sharing its architecture and lessons from its previous sprint, along with a blueprint for empowering cyber defenders across industry and government.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Johnson’s 15-yard run in the third quarter, a play during which five Denver defenders had a shot, was a big moment in a touchdown drive.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of defenders

Verb

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms as a safeguard against tyranny and for personal security.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2026
Connecticut law already protects employees who need to breastfeed or express breast milk while at work.

— Steven M. Frederick, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of protects

Verb

There's no question that the United States has a credible threat of force, but the blockade really blockades ourselves as well as Iran.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
As the United States military blockades the Strait of Hormuz fuel prices rose above $100 dollars a barrel.

— Contessa Brewer,Dawn Giel, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026