guard 1 of 2

noun

ˈgärd How to pronounce guard (audio)
Definition of guardnext
1
as in guardian
a person or group that watches over someone or something checked in with the security guard at the gate

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2
as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in lock
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

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4
as in defense
means or method of defending the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard

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5
as in guide
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps

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6
as in defender
someone that protects a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity

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guard

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked

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2
as in to blockade
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point a fire-breathing dragon guarded the entrance to the castle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

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 guard
Noun
The last couple of weeks have been tough trying to figure out how to run the offense and also score and also defend the lead guard. —John W. Davis, Oc Register, 13 July 2025 The Heat is intrigued to see what this mix of players can accomplish after the recent addition of veteran guard Norman Powell. —Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
Verb
Currently on sale for 47 percent off, this versatile dress is designed to easily wick away moisture to keep you temperate throughout the warmer months, and it’s made with UPF 30 protection to guard your skin against harsh sun rays. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025 Byrne was alone in a patrol car on Feb. 26, 1988, guarding the Queens home of a witness when McClary and three others ambushed him in an eruption of gunfire. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
  1. guardian
  2. defensive
  3. lock
  4. defense
  5. guide
  6. defender
  7. protect
  8. blockade
Noun
  • The deaths of at least 27 children and staff at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas have some parents and guardians questioning the safety of summer camps, especially as global warming increases risks of extreme weather.
    — Julia Simon, NPR, 18 July 2025
  • All 17 plaintiffs are former foster youth or parents or guardians of former foster youth, and are listed in court documents as John Doe or Jane Doe plaintiffs.
    — Theresa Clift July 18, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • Exxon might have lost, but as Javier Blas writes in Bloomberg, its delay tactic was successful in putting Chevron CEO Mike Wirth on the defensive for two years and giving Exxon shares a decisive advantage on Wall Street.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 July 2025
  • President Trump facing a political firestorm over the Jeffrey Epstein files, dividing his base and putting the president on the defensive.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 July 2025
Definition of defensive
Noun
  • Love locks have been slowly disappearing from the Old Red Bridge in south Kansas City off Red Bridge Road, as an amateur locksmith from Overland Park admits to using the locks to practice his skills.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
  • Keep your carry-on and checked suitcase protected with these luggage locks.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025
Definition of lock
Noun
  • Diggs, a former second-round pick out of Alabama, has been a key contributor for the Cowboys' defense for five seasons.
    — Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
  • Hedging existing military capabilities with solutions from defense tech vendors not only complements what defense primes can do with large platforms (ships, planes and tanks) but also brings more competition to defense procurement with companies that can ramp manufacturing quickly.
    — Michael Brown, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Definition of defense
Noun
  • The book emphasized that people are looking for a guide, like Yoda for Luke Skywalker, because everyone is the hero of their own day.
    — Dave Knox, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Beefy satisfaction awaits in our guide to cooking burgers indoors.
    — Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2025
Definition of guide
Noun
  • Newton possessed the speed to beat defenders, but had the strength of a fullback.
    — Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • But the comments continued to pour in, including warnings from some of Trump's top defenders that the issue is not going away and could have consequences in next year's midterm elections.
    — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 15 July 2025
Definition of defender
Verb
  • These statistics underscore the pressing need for action to protect vulnerable road users and reduce the catastrophic community cost of pedestrian accidents.
    — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
  • The formula blends potent ingredients—edelweiss native cells, niacinamide, and ginger root extract—to strengthen hair fibers, protecting against mechanical damage caused by frequent brushing or styling.
    — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Definition of protect
Verb
  • While the pipeline had obtained an agreement with the leadership of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation elected under Canadian law, members of the community who recognize only hereditary leaders opposed having the pipeline on their land and blockaded a construction road in 2021.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • More so, after Tehran’s seemingly unlikely threats to blockade the Strait of Hormuz have not been followed through even partially.
    — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Definition of blockade

Phrases Containing guard

Browse Nearby Words

guarantying
guard
guard (against)
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Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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