SHIELD Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shield 1 of 2

noun

ˈshēld

Definition of shield

as in defense

means or method of defending the slightly built boy used his sharp wit as a shield against the school's bullies

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shield

2 of 2

verb

as in to protect

to drive danger or attack away from celebrities who are shielded by a cluster of bodyguards whenever they appear in public

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cover

to place a protective layer over she shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

By increasing plasma density in Earth’s magnetosphere — the planet’s giant magnetic shield — StormWall could make Earth’s magnetic shield harder to disturb, the researchers argue. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Pair it with flip-flops, shield sunglasses, and a silver pendant necklace for a look that feels minimal but edgy. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 2 July 2026

Verb

Visitors shield themselves from dust blown into the air by high winds from a passing storm during July Fourth celebrations on the Mall on Saturday. — Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 5 July 2026 Think of it as skincare in disguise, locking in at least 12 hours of moisture while shielding you from harmful UV rays. — Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shield

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shield

Noun

Every child deserves security, dignity, and a community that stands fiercely in their defense.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 14 July 2026
It is expected to back new air-defense commitments for Ukraine, which is still suffering under Russian attacks even as battlefield momentum shifts in Kyiv’s favor.

— Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 13 July 2026

Definition of defense

Noun

That victory led, four years later, to the Coastal Act and creation of the Coastal Commission, whose job was to balance sensible development, habitat protection and conservation, and equitable public access.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
The lightweight formula is 95% naturally derived, blending vitamin E with antioxidant-rich apricot for hydration and free-radical protection.

— Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 July 2026

Definition of protection

Verb

And with Brown, VJ Edgecombe and Dean Wade on the roster, James would also be insulated from defending on the perimeter at a high volume.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
The defending champions made Kansas City their base camp for the tournament as the team began its quest to become back to back champions for the first time since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

— PJ Green July 13, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Definition of defend

Noun

State negotiators rejected the idea of allowing ranchers to use rubber bullets and other nonlethal ammunition because some can be confused for real bullets, Fisher said.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
During the Revolutionary War, General Washington worried that British troops were stockpiling weapons and ammunition in the fort and preparing to attack northern colonies.

— Lane Degregory, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

Definition of ammunition

Verb

But Canada has plans to launch hundreds of new satellites to safeguard its national sovereignty, reducing reliance on Washington, and the European Union is developing its own network of 290 satellites.

— Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Prioritize safety, stay well-informed, and act responsibly to safeguard lives and property.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of safeguard

Noun

The visitors had two hits before that, one of which was a two-out double by Mike Yastrzemski off the right field wall before Bart’s game-changing at-bat.

— Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
Note the wetlands-colored palette of tiles, all soft greens and pinkish browns, along the wall behind the oak bar.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of wall

Cite this Entry

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“Shield.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shield. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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