PROTECT Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

protect

verb

prə-ˈtekt

Definition of protect next

as in to defend

to drive danger or attack away from the mother bear was just trying to protect her cubs

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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 Grill Panel can serve as a grill or boiling rack, and either panel can also be converted into a windshield to protect the flame from the wind. —

Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2026 That’s why the two of us support state legislation in both Wyoming and Montana that will clarify the law and protect public access. —

Karlee Provenza, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026 Internal teams are great at protecting the core business. —

Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026 Barry said that the project will set the trail off with guardrails to better protect bicyclists and pedestrians. —

Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protect

Verb

No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Both coffee and tea contain bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols and caffeine, which may reduce inflammation and cellular damage while defending against cognitive decline.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of defend

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protean

protect

protected

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“Protect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protect. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of protect

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