as in guarding
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Dissimilar Words
as in defending
to drive danger or attack away from
the mother bear was just trying to protect her cubs
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of protecting
Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Despite state and local laws restricting law enforcement from assisting immigration enforcement, California and San Diego agencies continue to work with the federal government on task forces aimed at combating cross-border crime and protecting public safety.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Professionals use specialized spotting agents to treat stains safely while protecting delicate fibers.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Outside of Minneapolis, the five schools in Columbia Heights have taken an aggressive approach to protecting the immigrant families of their students.
—Karin Brulliard, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2026
During a government shutdown, all federal functions necessary for public safety, national security and protecting government property may continue, though employees work without pay.
—Riley Beggin, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
My priority remains protecting the public money in our public school system, and ensuring every child in our state receives an education that is not merely adequate, but truly exceptional in preparing them for success.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Thune has been adamant about protecting the filibuster, which currently requires at least 60 senators to support bringing legislation to the Senate floor.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 8 Feb. 2026
Trump has instead argued for protecting existing owners who have watched the values of their homes climb.
—Josh Boak, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
The staff acts as almost a mini-military– serving and protecting this metaphorical anti-war, positive energy force field.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Despite state and local laws restricting law enforcement from assisting immigration enforcement, California and San Diego agencies continue to work with the federal government on task forces aimed at combating cross-border crime and protecting public safety.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Professionals use specialized spotting agents to treat stains safely while protecting delicate fibers.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Outside of Minneapolis, the five schools in Columbia Heights have taken an aggressive approach to protecting the immigrant families of their students.
—Karin Brulliard, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2026
During a government shutdown, all federal functions necessary for public safety, national security and protecting government property may continue, though employees work without pay.
—Riley Beggin, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
My priority remains protecting the public money in our public school system, and ensuring every child in our state receives an education that is not merely adequate, but truly exceptional in preparing them for success.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Thune has been adamant about protecting the filibuster, which currently requires at least 60 senators to support bringing legislation to the Senate floor.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 8 Feb. 2026
Trump has instead argued for protecting existing owners who have watched the values of their homes climb.
—Josh Boak, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protecting
Verb
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The Olympics soon will be without Sweden’s defending champion men’s team, which was officially eliminated from semifinal contention on Tuesday after a sixth loss in seven matches in round-robin play.—
Steve Douglas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
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The Riverside native and Santa Monica High graduate went on to win five consecutive fights defending her title and becoming a global superstar along the way.—
Brian Martin,
Oc Register,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Administrator Lee Zeldin said the changes are meant to support electricity grid reliability while safeguarding human health and the environment.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
17 Feb. 2026
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Shock absorbers built into the base of the structure, meanwhile, will be tasked with safeguarding the telescope from the threat posed by earthquake tremors.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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He is known to be a tough-nosed defender capable of guarding four-to-five positions on the court.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Limited rib mobility interferes with the ability to breathe deeply, triggering your body’s stress response, which increases muscle tensing as a guarding mechanism.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Painter questioned whether the administration is releasing files that only implicate Democrats while shielding Republicans.—
Joseph Shapiro,
NPR,
14 Feb. 2026
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Board members have also signed non-disclosure agreements, previously shielding almost all of the process from public view.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Protecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protecting. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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