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shield

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verb

Synonym Chooser

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

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

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

When might defend be a better fit than shield?

Although the words defend and shield have much in common, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of shield?

The words guard and shield can be used in similar contexts, but guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When would protect be a good substitute for shield?

The words protect and shield are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 could safeguard be used to replace shield?

While the synonyms safeguard and shield are close in meaning, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

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 shield
Noun
This model offers a highly durable polyester construction with a thermal shield plus UV protection. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 May 2025 Why does the United States need a missile shield? Several countries, including China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, have been developing missiles over the past few years that challenge the United States’ current missile defense systems. Iain Boyd, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Verb
When police arrived, Foy grabbed a pedestrian and attempted to shield himself. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025 In 2022, lawmakers made those searches largely opaque by shielding finalists’ names from public view until 21 days before a hire is made. Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shield
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shield
Noun
  • In the face of nature’s power, preparation remains our most effective and enduring defense.
    Jim Foerster, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Indiana was also overhauling its defense, learning how to execute simpler yet more aggressive schemes with personnel better suited to defend than the team the Pacers put on the floor in 2023-24 — a team that, yes, made the Eastern Conference finals despite its defensive struggles.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Californians should urge Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to protect this vital lifeline.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 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
  • Matt previously spent several years covering Palace matches for the South London Press and contributing to other publications as a freelance writer.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • To cover this gap in pigment knowledge, Harvard University’s Mapping Color in History project created a database of pigments used in South Asian paintings and manuscripts.
    Eva Amsen, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2025
  • This thriller follows cello prodigy Curtis Wilson, who is forced to enter the witness protection program because of trouble with his drug-dealing father.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 2 June 2025
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
  • After seeing his pleas for peace talks or a ceasefire go unanswered for months, Trump conceded that he’s defended Putin in discussions over what to do next about Russia’s new attacks in Ukraine.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Yet operators are still cautious, and for good reason; giving an AI system too much autonomy without safeguards can lead to unexpected or unwanted results.
    Stephen Farrugia, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Privacy and security Apple has implemented several safeguards to ensure your privacy and security while using this feature.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 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
Noun
  • The majority also overturned William’s convictions for possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition, saying the convictions amounted to violation of the Constitution’s double jeopardy prohibition because he was effectively charged twice for the same crime.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2025
  • Spurred on by their own security concerns, European allies and Canada have already been ramping up military spending, including arms and ammunition purchases, since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
    Lorne Cook, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025

Cite this Entry

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

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