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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Webber seemed the perfect fit for Golden State and Nelson, and a bigger, more athletic Warriors team seemed to have a more formidable Big Three in Webber, Owens and second-year guard Latrell Sprewell, with Mullin still on hand as well. — Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 But at least fans got to witness a career performance from Liberty guard Marine Johannes. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
On this play Johnson actually starts out by guarding Trendon Watford. — Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The caterpillar even guards the wasp’s cocoons before eventually dying. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026 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
  • The confederations are presenting themselves not as rivals attempting to weaken FIFA, but as guardians of a collective system.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Donors should bring a photo ID and must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with a parent or guardian’s consent.
    — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • The 49ers’ rookie defensive lineman stood out in individual pass-rushing drills early in the session, decisively beating veteran offensive linemen Jake Brendel, Robert Jones and Connor Colby to reach the quarterback.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • This addition comes a day after Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley revealed undrafted rookie defensive tackle Rene Konga will miss the season with an undisclosed injury.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of defensive
Noun
  • The concept rides on 22-inch center-lock wheels, a first for Acura, as well as high-performance carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Missing documentation can push back your closing date or cost you your rate lock.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of lock
Noun
  • Taiwan, in response, has focused on strengthening its defense and ramping up its arms purchases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Ukraine says Russia is scaling up its production of ballistic missiles, aiming to exploit Kyiv's critical shortage of Patriot air defense interceptors that can stop them.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of defense
Noun
  • Read our town-by-town Hudson Valley guide for more recommendations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
  • And if the sheets are sorted but the rest of the bed could use some attention, our guides to the best duvet covers and quilts can help there too.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of guide
Noun
  • That point was in doubt late as Bay defender Aldana Cometti’s hand hit the ball on a Tessa Dellarose shot in stoppage time, but it was not ruled a handball upon quick review and Bay didn’t have to face a penalty kick.
    — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Gameplay enhancements include deeper pre-snap options, smarter defenders, and an optional Catch Meter.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of defender
Verb
  • Now, the state attorney general says the city must pay a fine or face a lawsuit for violating a state law protecting Confederate monuments and other longstanding memorials.
    — Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Your 6th House of Work and Wellness hosts compassionate Venus, opposing spiritual Neptune in your 12th House of Solitude, so routines need boundaries that protect rest.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • Iran’s proxies in the region, the Houthis, have since blockaded another strait – the Bab-al-Mandeb – challenging Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through that alternate route.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • During the early nineteen-eighties, when Paul Volcker, the chair of the Federal Reserve, raised interest rates to twenty per cent in the face of rampant inflation, furious farmers blockaded the Fed’s headquarters with their tractors.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
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 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on guard

Nglish: Translation of guard for Spanish Speakers

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