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shield

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of shield are defend, guard, protect, and safeguard. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

When might defend be a better fit than shield?

Although the words defend and shield have much in common, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of shield?

The words guard and shield can be used in similar contexts, but guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When would protect be a good substitute for shield?

The words protect and shield 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 safeguard be used to replace shield?

While the synonyms safeguard and shield are close in meaning, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

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 shield
Noun
The mission stays the same: to be a shield, not a sword. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025 Detective Smith was relieved of her guns and shield and placed on desk duty in Queens Courts on March 27. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025
Verb
Earth’s atmosphere shields the planet from the brunt of stellar UV light, so the only way to search for objects like WD 0525+526 is to use space telescopes like Hubble. Andrew Paul Aug 6, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025 The most likely design would be a compact fission reactor using uranium fuel, heavily shielded to protect astronauts from radiation. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shield
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shield
Noun
  • Jennings is a very useful player in a defense that prioritizes defenders who can eat up space and set the edge against the run.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The key rotation on offense and defense was pretty much settled after two straight playoff runs.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The archipelago, protected as a national park, hums with quiet life—salt flats blush rose in the heat, and mangroves cradle herons in leafy stillness.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • That case ultimately led to Congress’ passage in 1980 of the Privacy Protection Act, which protects journalists in such cases.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Corina Vanek covers development for The Arizona Republic.
    Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Diners don't need coupons or special passes to access the special menus covering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Both Jones and his businesses filed for bankruptcy, but his business's Chapter 11 protection was dismissed last year, allowing the fight over Infowars' assets to move to state court.
    Tovia Smith, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Drug traffickers bankroll many people in rural communities, essentially buying local support and protection.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The iconic fighter defended his son following his arrest, but has not spoken since the deportation.
    Fabiola Sanchez, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The tone has been combative, crass, and what’s been defended as fighting fire with fire.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • As of July 2025, that number surged to 451 voluntary participants — a staggering increase of over 3,500% that underscores the growing need for safeguards in the digital gambling era.
    Ethan Hylton, IndyStar, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Hybrid strategies can offer a safeguard, balancing flexibility with resilience.
    Kim Bozzella, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The top priority–trumping everything else, including profits–is that all of us continue to zealously guard Berkshire’s reputation.
    Jane Swift, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Agency employees are greeting the news, unveiled at an all hands meeting on Monday, with guarded optimism and relief.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • During the tow, a live 5.7mm caliber round of ammunition was found next to the vehicle’s rear passenger side tire.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The Vinson used its fighter jets to attack targets in Yemen — including weapons, ammunition and infrastructure — and Houthi leadership.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shield.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shield. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shield

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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