Synonym Chooser

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

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

When is defend a more appropriate choice than protect?

The words defend and protect can be used in similar contexts, but defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of protect?

In some situations, the words guard and protect are roughly equivalent. However, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When can safeguard be used instead of protect?

Although the words safeguard and protect have much in common, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When would shield be a good substitute for protect?

While in some cases nearly identical to protect, 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 protect The President of the United States must be allowed to protect America against those that are doing it Economic and Financial harm. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for protect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protect
Verb
  • 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
  • He’s defended cops and lawyers who’ve gotten in trouble and crafted a reputation as a pugnacious advocate for often high-profile clients in high-stakes cases.
    Dan Sullivan, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Lee’s next test in safeguarding those interests promises to be trickier: restoring stability to South Korea following the tumultuous ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose impeachment was confirmed in April following his December 2024 declaration of martial law.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025
  • When payments happen outside the App Store, the responsibility for safeguarding transactions falls to the developer.
    Chris Hewish, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • The dining area, living room, and study all spill out to terraces shielded by deep overhangs and a minimalist pergola.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
  • There's documentation and video evidence of her clearly trying to shield her husband away from the cameras.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Seeing rookies such as defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, the first-round pick, and guard Jonah Savaiinaea, the second-round pick, out there running around with life-giving joy and their sky-high potential was refreshing.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2025
  • Instead of distributing food to sites in Gaza where people are starving, the new group will operate in only four new zones with Israeli soldiers guarding the perimeters, NPR's Daniel Estrin reports.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protect. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protect

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