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

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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
Nick had spent five days in a ward in Green Valley Hospital after writing a story in sixth grade about a boy who started a fire and died in it. — Tom Drury, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026 From soil to hospital ward Spores are not only a curiosity of soil microbiology. — Canan Karakoç, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
Try candles or sprays scented with citronella, lemon, or vanilla to ward them off. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 To ward pests and disease, the gardening company recommends using organic sprays or Neem oil and regularly checking your plants for signs of infestation or illness. — McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 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
  • Russia's Defense Ministry said air defenses downed 254 Ukrainian drones overnight.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • With the 14th test flight of Starship, Elon Musk’s aerospace and defense company also plans to deploy 26 of its new Starlink V3 satellites.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of defense
Noun
  • A couple in their late 70s gunned down their son-in-law in a California city park over the weekend, authorities said, and court documents showed the victim had been in a bitter custody dispute with their daughter.
    — TERRY CHEA, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Days later, his mother, Teresita Lavandeira, filed for temporary custody of Mario, 13; Mia, 11; and Mayte, 8.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of custody
Verb
  • But data, though personal and medical in nature, is not covered by HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects personal electronic health data in other contexts.
    — Sparkle Rainey Tribune News Service, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • These women pressured local judges and sheriffs, and would actively show up to courthouses, protecting potential lynching victims with thier own bodies.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • South Korea, the United States and others say North Korea has also supplied artillery, ammunition and missiles to Russia in return for economic and military assistance.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Sanon is also accused obtaining an arsenal of weapons, ammunition and ballistic vests, culminating in the dead-of-night operation coordinated by his allies to storm Moïse’s private residence.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of ammunition
Noun
  • Perinatal palliative care is an important and compassionate option.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The other was identified by REACH as Brad Sparks, a flight nurse who is still receiving medical care.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of care
Verb
  • An official of Congo's ruling party UDPS, Marie-Célestin Karondwa, was attacked by unknown suspects Sunday for defending the government's measures against Ebola on a radio program and was in critical condition, according to the UDPS.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The state attorneys general likewise defended the deal, including the five-year term.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • As is common, there’s not nearly as much protection on iOS, mainly because the safeguards Apple imposes to defeat malware also defeat many malware-fighting techniques.
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
  • From there, review the additional theft safeguards available on your Pixel.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of safeguard
Verb
  • Rashee Rice has 71 receiving yards save for his 31-yard uncontested catch-and-run while the Colts were guarding the end zone and letting the clock expire.
    — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Those plays are easy to guard and yards after the catch are low.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of guard

Browse Nearby Words

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 4 Oct. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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