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
Nurses are fainting on the wards, children are flopping onto their desks at school. — Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 The series has been birthed over the last few years as producers secured access to a busy ward. — Peter White, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
Given how locker room dysfunction had sabotaged the 2024-25 campaign, the club valued that latter factor enormously in deciding to promote Foote — and ward him off from joining Rick Tocchet’s staff in Philadelphia. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026 Of course, this doesn’t mean you’re doomed to be bitten all summer; there are various ways to prevent bites and ward them off altogether. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Mar. 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
  • Webb figures he's got the best of both worlds, having his play-calling mentor by his side and squaring off against defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Denver's stout defense all summer.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Faria was down a break and scrambling to survive, having snatched the opening set by getting past Alcaraz’s defenses.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of defense
Noun
  • Three days before Pourrain was detained, Venezuelan national Claudia Rodríguez, 28, was released from ICE custody after being held for 20 days.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Bertie County Department of Social Services took custody of the children, and they were later turned over to the members of the family, officials said.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of custody
Verb
  • Brughmans’ work outside of protecting his own goal is equally interesting.
    — Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Relations and exchange programs between Russia and North Korea have been flourishing in recent years, with North Korea supplying ammunitions and troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The franchise’s resolve has been little comfort to many fans who feel this latest indignity is just another chapter in the book of Clippers, and more ammunition for their friends and rivals.
    — Law Murray, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of ammunition
Noun
  • The background of the film is the budget slashes that are happening in this sector all over the Western world, as the government withdraws its own form of care.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • As the trend scales, expect a wave of clinician response videos and possibly product warnings from foot-care brands.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of care
Verb
  • The Bills believe in Bernard and have described his 2025 season as an injury that derailed his entire year, though there were some run-defending holes in his game before last season.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The last episode ended with Heather sloppily approaching Lisa while Lisa’s Ultimate Girls Trip buddies hovered on the sidelines, ready to defend their new friend.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • Opponents have branded the bill unsafe and unworkable, citing concerns around potential coercion of vulnerable people and a lack of safeguards for those with disabilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Opponents branded the bill unsafe and unworkable, citing concerns around potential coercion of vulnerable people and a lack of safeguards for those with disabilities.
    — Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of safeguard
Verb
  • Cowboys guard Tyler Smith will miss four to six weeks with a thumb injury.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • One year later, after being combative and guarded in his rookie season, that armor appears to be coming off.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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