GUARDS Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

guards 1 of 2

noun

plural of guard

as in wardens

a person or group that watches over someone or something checked in with the security guard at the gate

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as in defensives

a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

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offensives

as in locks

a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

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as in defenses

means or method of defending the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard

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as in guides

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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as in defenders

someone that protects a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity

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guards

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of guard

as in protects

to drive danger or attack away from guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked

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as in blockades

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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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 guards

Noun

However, last year’s team featured a nauseating number of guards, so these Bulls boast a crowded frontcourt and aren’t in dire need of Mathurin’s skill set. — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Currently, state law restricts open carry of firearms only in public buildings with security measures like metal detectors and guards. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 Stock Down The Dolphins offensive line had a ton of success running behind the right guards on Friday, and there was one instance where Jonah Savaiinaea put Kenneth Grant on the Metrorial and took him for a ride. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Critical of defense by the team’s guards a few games ago, coach Cheryl Reeve singled out Williams’s effort Thursday. — Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 31 July 2026 No physical barrier blocks people from walking across the border outside the library, although planters prevent vehicles from crossing, and border guards from both countries keep watch. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026 He was cosseted by two Shin Bet guards, their faces shielded by face masks. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026 Ukrainian border guards patrol the area around the clock using armored vehicles, drones and other surveillance systems. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 The pair are said to have exchanged shoves and throws before prison guards were able to separate them. — Cheyenne Roundtree, VIBE.com, 24 July 2026

Verb

There’s this belief in the NFL that the more a player thinks about injuries, guards themselves to prevent them, the more they are destined to happen. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 The first encounter with water comes at the opening par three 4th hole, where a small pond guards the front of the green. — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 According to Perseus Digital Library, which translates Greek and Roman mythology to English, some writers refer to Cerberus as the hound that guards the gates of Hades, where the dog allows people to enter, but never lets them out. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Border Patrol guards entry points near the Rio Grande, and Hartman says agents rely on technology to detect movement inside the underground network. — Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 Angel Reese and Dream guards Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray are among those voted as reserves by the league’s 15 head coaches. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 8 July 2026 Greenland also guards part of what is known as the GIUK (Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom) Gap, where NATO monitors Russian naval movements in the North Atlantic. — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 The device in your pocket that pays for your coffee, unlocks your front door, and holds the second factor that guards everything else. — Ryan Pettit, Time, 7 July 2026 The 6-foot-9 Haugh stretches defenses with his shooting, attacks the rim, thrives in transition and guards multiple positions. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guards

Noun

The encounter fortunately ended without anyone being injured, but Parks Canada wardens were able to identify the hikers after the video was posted online and racked up millions of views.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — Game wardens, rescue boat teams and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Definition of wardens

Noun

Infrared guides autonomy The tests centered on a sensor package known as the Legion Pod, which tracked a live T-38 aircraft during flight.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
The story that The People’s Beauty Index tells about the industry is that diversity is foundational, hyperlocal recommendations are necessary, and Reddit users see themselves as guides, not aspirational avatars or marketers.

— Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of guides

Noun

On today's episode of Tech Camp, co-hosts Emily Kwong and Regina Barber chase the rapid evolution of cybersecurity, which has led to an arms race between hackers and defenders.

— Emily Kwong, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
Lee said that tracks with Simmons’ ability to read coverages and anticipate where defenders are.

— Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of defenders

Verb

Health information collected by wearables and consumer apps does not fall under HIPAA, the federal law that protects records held by hospitals, doctors and insurers.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Consistently high-quality sleep protects a leader’s judgment, temperament, and emotional regulation.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of protects

Verb

There's no question that the United States has a credible threat of force, but the blockade really blockades ourselves as well as Iran.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
As the United States military blockades the Strait of Hormuz fuel prices rose above $100 dollars a barrel.

— Contessa Brewer,Dawn Giel, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026