1
as in defense
means or method of defending
frequent hand washing is an oft-recommended ward against the spread of common germs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
Since being brought back to New York, he’s split his time between Rikers Island and Bellevue’s hospital ward.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Tekashi attempted to ward the men off but was eventually stomped out and left in the facility battered and bloodied.
—Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ward
Noun
Weinstein, who was previously incarcerated at Rikers Island jail, will be allowed to stay at the prison ward at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
Since being brought back to New York, he’s split his time between Rikers Island and Bellevue’s hospital ward.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
To ward against wrongdoing, the head of the agency, Kenneth L. Wainstein, bolstered oversight of its actions.
—Eileen Sullivan, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Tekashi attempted to ward the men off but was eventually stomped out and left in the facility battered and bloodied.
—Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ward
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
Noun
-
Panahi’s presence in Cannes appears to be a signal to the outside world that Iran is, at least cosmetically, changing its course amid escalating tensions following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022 while she was held in custody for allegedly wearing a loose hijab.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
20 May 2025
-
Harris County inmate records reviewed by PEOPLE show Eberly remains in custody on a $2 million bond on the murder charge.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
20 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
-
Gmail Account Attack Defense Step Three — Use A Passkey This one really should be a non-brainer: stop using passwords and switch to a passkey to protect your Gmail account.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
18 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
Noun
-
Any medical emergency that requires the administration of life-saving care should bring play to an end.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
-
One of the most critical lifelines for families with special needs, Medicaid provides not only healthcare but also long-term services like home care and respite assistance.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
15 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
-
There are various factors at play, most prominently guarding a horse’s health from a tight turnaround in favor of other high-money stakes.—
Sam Cohn,
Baltimore Sun,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ward. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share