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 The utility recently told its investors that AB 1054 will protect it from potential liabilities of billions of dollars if its equipment is found to have sparked the Eaton fire on Jan. 7, resulting in 18 deaths and the destruction of thousands of homes and commercial buildings. Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025 Yes, it should be protected from reopening as another waste processing plant. Sarah McCoy, Hartford Courant, 18 May 2025 Some mowing guidelines are meant to protect the health of your grass, while others save you effort or keep you safe. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 May 2025 House of Aama House of Aama, established in 2015, presents fashion as an instrument for storytelling while protecting cultural heritage and preserving memories. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for protect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protect
Verb
  • The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles will be featured prominently during the 2025 NFL season.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Scheffler, the world No. 1, and defending PGA champion Schauffele had plenty to say about mud balls on tee shots, particularly on the 16th hole that sent both to double bogey.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Loro Piana is committed to safeguard its sourcing hubs globally.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
  • With the average cost of a data breach now exceeding $4 million, safeguarding customer information is not just a precaution but a critical business mandate.
    Nitesh Mirchandani, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The book claims Biden was heavily shielded from senior officials, had his schedule shortened, and relied on teleprompters even during brief, off-camera remarks.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Arrow’s mother tried to shield her daughter from the news of the murder.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • The veteran that was part of the Liberty’s core will miss the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury, leaving the squad without a starter who averaged 9.5 point per game on 45% shooting that also guarded the opposing team’s best perimeter option on some nights.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
  • The Wings, featuring nine new players after posting a 9-31 record in 2024, stayed even with the Lynx for much of the first half but fell behind during the third quarter, in which Collier and Courtney Williams combined for 33 points — their two-player actions proving impossible for Dallas to guard.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protect. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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