WARDS Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

wards 1 of 2

noun

plural of ward

as in defenses

means or method of defending frequent hand washing is an oft-recommended ward against the spread of common germs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in custodies

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

wards

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of ward

as in protects

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 wards

Noun

Tokyo is made up of 23 smaller cities, or wards, each with its own leaders, rules and regulations. — Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 Early voting is currently under way at 56 locations in suburban Cook County, and all 50 Chicago wards along with the two permanent downtown super sites. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 Moreau made a tool to measure the depth and heights of the wards, to make a replica of what the original key probably looked like. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 In response to Stewart’s presentation, several alderpersons expressed their appreciation of local law enforcement and the work done to facilitate emergency response efforts across all nine wards. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026 In wards 6 and 7, Dave Tamayo and Heidi Sanborn, respectively, are running unopposed. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Scenes with the ward’s young women are where the film truly excels, undeniably a result of Khan and Le Querec’s months-long immersion inside real-life psychiatric wards. — Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026 That has changed quietly, with robots now performing important roles in operating rooms, hospital wards, rehabilitation centers, and corridors around the world. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wards

Noun

From counter-drone defenses to advanced sensors integrated into tanks and fighter jets, the technologies transforming the battlefield are also changing, or even expanding, the markets served by legacy defense giants.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
The design will support future upgrades as the Navy adapts its defenses to emerging threats.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of defenses

Noun

Scientists are exploring whether the flu vaccine can disrupt tumors, providing another treatment along with expensive cutting-edge care.

— Elie Dolgin, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
For example, someone may use your insurance information to obtain treatment, leaving behind records that could affect future care or insurance claims.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of care

Verb

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms as a safeguard against tyranny and for personal security.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2026
Connecticut law already protects employees who need to breastfeed or express breast milk while at work.

— Steven M. Frederick, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of protects

Noun

Yet despite putting safeguards in place, including linking a listing to a fine or a conviction, and building in an appeal and a process for removing people added in error, the bill has repeatedly failed to be passed by Congress.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Fourth, biometric records should not be sold or repurposed for marketing or unrelated surveillance; necessary service providers should face strict limits and safeguards.

— Burak Oktenli, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of safeguards

Noun

The skydivers — including Rutz — jumped from a plane and held each other’s hands Friday morning.

— Iris Kwok Follow Nov. 6, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
In the right hands, there’s a hell of a lot that can be done with two men, some first-rate banter, and a historical flashpoint that eerily resonates with our current need for a reckoning about American adventures abroad.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of hands

Verb

Three four-year starters — guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer and forward Trey Kaufman-Renn — have departed.

— Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
While in the forest Lakshmana helps secure food and shelter, carries weapons, and guards Rama and Sita.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of guards

Noun

Hundreds of protesters shielding the tent camp were dispersed by police using shields and some baton charges, the Reuters news agency reported.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2026
Dozens of armored cops were still standing guard, shields raised, after a night when 500 people were taken into custody in the French capital alone.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026