1
as in defenses
means or method of defending
frequent hand washing is an oft-recommended ward against the spread of common germs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in custodies
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something
gained the ward of his cousin upon the death of her parents
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in protects
to drive danger or attack away from
vowed that he would take whatever measures were necessary to ward the nation's people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of wards
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Medical staff across the country have reported casualties from their wards to doctors and activists outside Iran, who have estimated that the real death toll is much higher.
—Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026
Thomas, for all his proprietary yammering about his young wards, turns out to have fatally underestimated them.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
The Oklahoma City mayor, elected as an at-large representative of the city, also serves alongside other members of the Oklahoma City Council who represent each of its eight wards.
—Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
This is the latest in a troubling trend in the Inland Empire, which has seen two different maternity wards closed down in recent months.
—Joy Benedict, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
According to the indictment, Bradley and Bradley-Baskin operated a law firm that often represented the agency in court, while Rashad operated group homes and residential facilities for elderly individuals, including wards, who needed support and care.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
On Netflix, one of the streamer's biggest hits of all time takes viewers back to the Regency era with a plethora of rakes and wards to boot.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
The group is expected to field candidates in around 20 wards across the city.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
By way of demonstrating his willingness to take on tough issues, LeBuhn, 37, cites his experience in Lightfoot’s City Hall, helping to spearhead the former mayor’s effort to end aldermanic prerogative, which gives aldermen effective veto power over most zoning decisions in their wards.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Medical staff across the country have reported casualties from their wards to doctors and activists outside Iran, who have estimated that the real death toll is much higher.
—Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026
Thomas, for all his proprietary yammering about his young wards, turns out to have fatally underestimated them.
—Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
The Oklahoma City mayor, elected as an at-large representative of the city, also serves alongside other members of the Oklahoma City Council who represent each of its eight wards.
—Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
This is the latest in a troubling trend in the Inland Empire, which has seen two different maternity wards closed down in recent months.
—Joy Benedict, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
According to the indictment, Bradley and Bradley-Baskin operated a law firm that often represented the agency in court, while Rashad operated group homes and residential facilities for elderly individuals, including wards, who needed support and care.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
On Netflix, one of the streamer's biggest hits of all time takes viewers back to the Regency era with a plethora of rakes and wards to boot.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
The group is expected to field candidates in around 20 wards across the city.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wards
Noun
-
The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses downed 95 Ukrainian drones overnight over several regions, the Azov Sea and Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
But the Chiefs desperately need to find a true lead back this offseason— someone who can either force defenses to respect the run or can punish those who don’t.—
Sam McDowell
February 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But the slow drip of revelations has reinforced a perception that power protects itself and that ordinary citizens live under a different standard.—
Kaitlyn Buss,
Boston Herald,
8 Feb. 2026
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The texture-smoothing formula also includes cupuaçu butter—another moisture-locking workhorse—as well as caffeine, which helps boost collagen production, reduces puffiness, and protects skin from environmental damage.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Instead of using those safeguards, the administration has layered additional education spending on top of the Blueprint, increasing long-term obligations while ignoring current fiscal constraints.—
J.B. Jennings,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2026
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Prioritize flow, because smart pacing safeguards quality.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The PhD student, originally from Turkey and on a valid F-1 student visa, was shuttled through multiple states following her arrest and suffered a series of asthma attacks without adequate medical care, according to her attorneys.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Natural Grocers specializes in organic produce, dietary supplements and body care products.—
Francesca Pica,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Junior guards Ben Piekarz, the coach’s son, and Dave Malley each made four 3-pointers, including three apiece in the second half.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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The core rotation of Swain, post Matas Vokietaitis, forward Lassina Traore, wing Cam Heide and guards Tramon Mark, Simeon Wilcher, Jordan Pope and Chendall Weaver have played in a cumulative 190 out of a possible 192 games.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
None of these are permanent shields.—
Matt Shumer,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Come next spring, shields and masks will no longer be confined to weekend getaways in the great outdoors.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And while their steamy, sweaty dalliances are hot and heavy (albeit mostly clothed), most swoonworthy are the smaller moments, like Heathcliff gently cupping his hands to keep the rain out of Cathy’s eyes.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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Dodds and Mouat, who entered the field as favorites, shook hands with the Wrana siblings with one end still to play.—
JULIA FRANKEL,
Arkansas Online,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Continue reading … JUDGE ON TRIAL — Supreme Court justice defends Grammys attendance as senator calls for investigation.—
,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots throws a pass while Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks defends.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Wards.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wards. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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