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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
In terms of actually on the court, playing the right way, getting the other guys involved, using how the defense guards me to create opportunities for other guys, and just competing. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2025 In the first quarter, Clark was being guarded closely and well out from beyond the 3-point line. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 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
  • All have since been discharged and their parents and guardians have been contacted by officers, Leicestershire Police said in a statement.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
  • Anyone with information that can help identify and locate the infant’s parents or guardians can contact the department or submit an anonymous tip by calling Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or by visiting crimeline.org, the release said.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 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
  • The spray is also formulated with argan oil, vitamins, and fatty acids to smooth and soften your locks.
    — PEOPLE Deals Team, People.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of lock
Noun
  • The decision comes a few weeks after Congress passed a bill that included Trump administration priorities of tax cuts, cuts to Medicaid, increased spending for defense and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, among many other things.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2025
  • In a Friday note, the bank reiterated its buy rating on the aerospace and defense stock and raised its price objective to $270 per share from $260.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of defense
Noun
  • Over time, assay came to specifically refer to testing the content or quality of metal or ore.. Be sure to follow me for all your daily puzzle-solving guides, TV show and movie reviews and more here on this blog!
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • More information about the Wisconsin State Fair For more information on state fair logistics, check out our guide to ticket deals, carry-in policies and more.
    — Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
Definition of guide
Noun
  • There could be a permanent exit for a City academy defender further along in his development.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • Habba’s appointment as U.S. attorney came after the lawyer had become known as one of Trump’s most ardent defenders, serving as one of the president’s personal defense attorneys from 2021 through his inauguration.
    — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of defender
Verb
  • The other eight units protected by the reserve are: How did the museum designers choose Mill Bluff?
    — Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
  • When the grid goes down, Base Power will protect customers’ homes from power outages.
    — Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 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 6 Aug. 2025.

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