safeguard 1 of 2

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as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury safeguards that were intended to assure our security, but not at the expense of our liberty

Synonyms & Similar Words

safeguard

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of safeguard are defend, guard, protect, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When might defend be a better fit than safeguard?

While the synonyms defend and safeguard are close in meaning, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of safeguard?

Although the words guard and safeguard have much in common, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When is protect a more appropriate choice than safeguard?

The words protect and safeguard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could shield be used to replace safeguard?

The synonyms shield and safeguard are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 safeguard
Noun
The lawsuit alleges that TikTok's safeguards for minors are easy to circumvent and don't do enough to protect young users. Jennifer Lindahl, USA Today, 6 May 2025 The delivery mechanism in the works would allow aid to reach the Palestinian population with safeguards to ensure it is not diverted by Hamas or Islamic Jihad, according to a State Department spokesperson. Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Verb
If Temu once again changes its tune on direct-from-China shipments, that could safeguard those sellers from losing business overnight. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025 Steven Adler, a former safety researcher at OpenAI, told CNBC that safety testing a model before it’s rolled out is no longer enough to safeguard against potential dangers. Hayden Field,jonathan Vanian,jennifer Elias, CNBC, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for safeguard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeguard
Noun
  • Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025
  • Yet President Trump has also called for a massive expansion of highway construction, raising the real danger that, without protections in place, a new wave of infrastructure will repeat old patterns of destruction.
    Deborah N. Archer, Time, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Stay cool, drink plenty of fluids, check on relatives and neighbors, and take precautions when working or spending time outside.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • That would explain the complete and utter disregard for the most basic standards, like taking precautions before construction and providing clean water and safe environments.
    Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The emergency fund is meant to protect you against a job loss, health crisis, car breakdown or major household repair.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Progress on the bill stalled after ultraconservative members of the House Freedom Caucus demanded further changes, including tax cuts, sweeping changes to Medicaid and food benefits, border security, defense funding and more.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Deuce McBride was shaky against the Detroit Pistons but brought his ball-hawking, harassing defense back against the Celtics.
    Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles will be featured prominently during the 2025 NFL season.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Irina Shayk From her shield shades and dad shoes combo to her roster of red carpet dresses, Shayk is owning Cannes—even without a film to promote.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 16 May 2025
  • With the shield, the second primary mechanic comes into play: parrying.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • In a search of Ross’ home, Evanston police found ammunition, but no firearms.
    Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
  • They were used for ammunition storage during World War II, but no longer held munitions or hazardous materials, said Fire Chief Tim Boehlke.
    Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Safeguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeguard. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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