ward 1 of 2

noun

ˈwȯrd How to pronounce ward (audio)
Definition of wardnext
1
as in defense
means or method of defending frequent hand washing is an oft-recommended ward against the spread of common germs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in custody
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something gained the ward of his cousin upon the death of her parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

ward

2 of 2

verb

as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from vowed that he would take whatever measures were necessary to ward the nation's people

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ward
Noun
Like the book, which is set in a psychiatric ward, Kesey’s script was written from the perspective of Chief Bromden, a Native American patient. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026 The City has been meeting with ward directors and residents throughout the public engagement process. — Casey Mann, Arkansas Online, 8 July 2026
Verb
The grackles seek safety in numbers, and often choose to roost in suburban or urban areas with heavy foot traffic in order to ward of predators. — Sara Diggins, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026 Infrastructure like the Grapevine might’ve also warded her off. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ward
  1. defense
  2. custody
  3. protect
  4. ammunition
  5. care
  6. defend
  7. safeguard
  8. guard
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
  • Tuesday’s death also marked at least the 46th person to die while in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail or RCCC since January 2021, according to data compiled by The Sacramento Bee.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • What began as a low-level juvenile case became five years in secure custody as his behavior deteriorated and new charges accumulated.
    — Christina Buttons, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
Definition of custody
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of protect
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
Noun
  • Sit, who went by the first name Tony, operated Happy K9 Academy and the dogs were in his care when they were kept in crates in a hot van and died, the district attorney’s office said.
    — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 11 July 2026
  • Vivani argues that helping patients stay on treatment could also generate savings for the health-care system by reducing the risk of costly conditions linked to obesity.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of care
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
  • Anthropic has reported banning accounts and tightening filters after detecting attempts to use Claude for phishing emails, malicious code and safeguard bypasses.
    — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • DigitalMint said Martino evaded the company’s internal safeguards that attempt to prevent fraud.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
Definition of safeguard
Verb
  • In a confessional at the start of this week’s episode, Luke tries to redress his failure to communicate with Gen as an intentional attempt to guard Gen’s feelings in the middle of the charter.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Ajayi can be utilized as a switcher on defense, taking on roles such as guarding the ball handler or the opposing big.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Definition of guard

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war cry
ward
warded
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Cite this Entry

“Ward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ward. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of ward for Spanish Speakers

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