guard 1 of 2

1
2
as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

guard

2 of 2

verb

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
In a video circulated widely on social media, three officers stand guard while a fourth tries to handcuff Erin, then slings her to the ground face first. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025 The All-Star guard, who was acquired via a trade with the Las Vegas Aces during the offseason, also had eight assists. John W. Davis, Oc Register, 25 May 2025
Verb
Anunoby scored 16 points in both Games 1 and 2 and shot 5-of-8 when guarded by Siakam. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025 Clippers guard James Harden made All-NBA third team, his eighth All-NBA selection and first since 2020. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • Moving beyond the initial cost of raising a child, higher education costs typically come prior to the parent/guardian retiring.
    David Kudla, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Police confirmed with county officials that the paternal grandmother was the legal guardian of the girl with sole custody pending the June court appearance.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • That left voting centers practically empty at times and put officials on the defensive.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
  • In a matter of seconds, the Knicks found themselves on the defensive.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • A day after the singer, 38, shocked fans by walking the 2025 American Music Awards red carpet with a blonde bob — a far departure from her trademark long locks — Pratt, 41, defended his wife against hate comments.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Amenities: Canal view, hot water, shampoo/conditioner, board games, heating, Wi-Fi, kitchen, outdoor furniture, smart lock.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • The video is likely to be used by both prosecutors and defense attorneys as evidence in Dugan's criminal case.
    James Hill, ABC News, 2 June 2025
  • In the face of nature’s power, preparation remains our most effective and enduring defense.
    Jim Foerster, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • The history of hegemony The term hegemony originates from the Greek hegemon, meaning leader or guide.
    Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • Photographers hoping to capture the wonders of our solar system after sunset should check out our guides on the best cameras and best lenses for astrophotography.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Florida captain Aleksander Barkov evaded his defender and dished a backhanded pass to Verhaeghe, who slotted home the conference-winning goal.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025
  • The Trump administration has emerged as a staunch defender of a far-right German political party with Nazi echoes.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Arsenal must protect themselves against a similar outcome next season — and the transfer market provides their best opportunity to do that.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Those that rely too heavily on coercion risk losing legitimacy, but excessive reliance on consent without the backing of power can undermine the hegemon’s ability to enforce rules and protect core interests.
    Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • If the United States reduces its economic reliance on Taiwanese semiconductors, for instance, Beijing might decide that Washington won’t respond if China blockades or invades the island.
    ALLISON CARNEGIE, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2025
  • But its navy controlled enough of the Black Sea to blockade Ukrainian ports, choking the country’s economy and threatening global food security because Ukraine is a major grain exporter.
    Constant Méheut, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on guard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!