WARDING Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

warding

verb

present participle of ward

as in protecting

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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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 warding Horror seems cathartic, or psychically protective—a safe ritual that admits the reality of violence and cruelty while also warding it off, like a ceremonial demon mask. — David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for warding

Verb

Capricorn December 22 – January 19 An empty hour might be worth protecting from your own good intentions.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
The reforms are aimed at better protecting victims of domestic violence and stalking.

— Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of protecting

Verb

Lawmakers and school districts have raised concerns over federal agents' presence outside schools or near school bus stops, with the federal government frequently defending its actions.

— Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026
The county paid about $112 million in settlements defending the department in the 2024-25 fiscal year alone.

— Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of defending

Verb

On November 6, 1956, British and French troops were scything through Port Said, the Egyptian city guarding the entrance to one of the world’s most-important waterways.

— David Averre, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2026
His administration has insisted that no armed federal officials would be guarding the polls on Election Day.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of guarding

Verb

Advocates feel that the backward process left them unable to confirm whether the company was delivering on its promises and fully shielding ordinary customers from data center costs.

— Emily Jones, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026
And for both regional and European officials present, there was a deep sense of uncertainty regarding Washington and its commitment to shielding putative allies from attack.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of shielding

Verb

Her proposal calls for abolishing multiple government agencies that are critical to safeguarding our national security without providing definitive alternatives that would ensure their missions continue.

— Daniel Delgado, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
So basically, this sunscreen is not only pleasant to wear, but superb at safeguarding skin against damage.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of safeguarding

Browse Nearby Words

warders

warding

warding (off)

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“Warding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warding. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of warding

verb

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