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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

The official added that the administration’s broader message to allies remains focused on increasing defense spending and military readiness.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
The decision came before Carney headed to this week’s NATO summit, where allies face pressure to back higher defense spending with concrete plans.

— Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of defense

Noun

Talk of consumer protection could be a result of recent allegations against Miller, who joined ESPN in 2021.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
The organization warned that as search-and-rescue teams begin to scale back operations, humanitarian needs—particularly food, medical care and protection services—could intensify rather than diminish.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of protection

Verb

While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
This year, Argentina is defending its World Cup title, with Messi widely regarded as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of defend

Noun

McBride said Robinson's DNA was found on the towel and the rifle, and similar ammunition was found at his home.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Explosions at Ndjili International Airport in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, triggered by a fire in an ammunition dump, kill more than 100 people.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 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

Style

“Shield.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shield. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of shield

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on shield

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

effulgence

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes