Synonym Chooser

How is the word protect different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of protect are defend, guard, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

When is defend a more appropriate choice than protect?

The words defend and protect can be used in similar contexts, but defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of protect?

In some situations, the words guard and protect are roughly equivalent. However, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When can safeguard be used instead of protect?

Although the words safeguard and protect have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When would shield be a good substitute for protect?

While in some cases nearly identical to protect, shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

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 protect Senate Democrats introduced new legislation to protect hundreds of thousands of immigrants who have had their legal status revoked by the Trump administration. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 It is believed that the alligator may have been a female acting to protect her hatchlings, reptile expert Kim Titterington told 7News Miami. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 23 June 2025 The Marines are tasked with protecting federal facilities and personnel, according to a statement from U.S. Northern Command, and will operate under Task Force 51—a contingency unit created to coordinate military support for domestic emergencies. Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025 Although these challenges are external and somewhat unavoidable, business leaders can better protect themselves, starting with ensuring their network connectivity is robust. Sander Barens, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for protect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protect
Verb
  • James Hurley gives a moving performance at the Road House outside of Twin Peaks, and learns of an unusual vision experienced by his cockney co-worker at Great Northern security, Freddie, who will defend James from the attack of a jealous husband with a most unusual strength-enhancing glove.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
  • Queen wasps can live up to a year, while worker wasps, infertile females that build and defend the nest, live two to three weeks.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The 5 Best Shower Filters to Save Your Skin and Hair from Hard Water Tips to Improve Water Quality To ensure that your home has healthy, clean water for drinking and bathing, here are a few tips to consider to safeguard your water supply.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2025
  • The Del is a living testament to safeguarding our past.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The main compartment is protected by a zipper, while the outside is made of a water-repellent fabric that will shield your wallet from the elements.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 23 June 2025
  • While Chávez consistently denied involvement in drug trafficking, his administration fostered ties with guerrilla organizations and was accused of shielding FARC leaders and cocaine shipments.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton has exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season, a league source confirmed to The Athletic.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • At Friday’s hearing, he is also set to address a state request to limit troops under federal control to guarding federal buildings, and to bar them from accompanying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on the workplace raids that sparked the protests.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protect. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protect

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