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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 shield does threaten to dominate the game at points. Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 Contact support Powered By Soggy skies didn't deter fans from showing up Churchill Downs, and the lavish headwear typically seen at the races doubled as shields from the rain. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 3 May 2025
Verb
The gods also shield the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha, from external threats. ArsTechnica, 17 May 2025 The major commercial hub on the island and a top tourist destination, Havana has long endured occasional blackouts but until this year had been largely shielded from the worst of the outages by the grid operator. Reuters, NBC news, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shield
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shield
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
  • Hartford Courant Krav Maga is a self defense system based on that developed by the Israeli military.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 21 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
  • This question asks for personal sensitive information that is protected by privacy laws.
    Ernesto Londoño, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Sessions will cover safety and situational awareness and include basic self-defense skills.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Two opposition party members in the Korean legislature also revealed plans to introduce a bill, tentatively named the Lee Sun-kyun Prevention Act, to increase the legal protections of suspects’ privacy during investigations.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025
  • The intention with the resolution was to broaden protections and to remove the discretionary power for Sheriff Martinez to share information with immigration agencies.
    Pedro Rios, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
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
Noun
  • However, President Donald Trump’s Education Department has rolled back that safeguard, reverting to the bare minimum exemption of $750 per month, a level set in 1996 that has never been adjusted for inflation.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Democratic senators are seeking safeguards on AI for the first time in Connecticut history in a bill that generated both strong support and deep opposition.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
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

Cite this Entry

“Shield.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shield. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shield

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