1
as in wardens
a person or group that watches over someone or something
checked in with the security guard at the gate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in defensives
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack
be on your guard against snakes in the swamp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in locks
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation
slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in defenses
means or method of defending
the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in defenders
someone that protects
a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in protects
to drive danger or attack away from
guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guards
Noun
-
And defenses are wisely turning Bam Adebayo into a facilitator.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025 -
Conner’s constantly able to get open shots because of the pressure Van Lith and Prince put on defenses.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
After all, defenders do the tackling, right?—
Sam Tighe,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Even with three senior defenders in Alaba, Carvajal and Militao sidelined by long-term injuries, no signings were made.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Finally, the Moisture Shield seals in the deep hydration and protects against environmental aggressors.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes,
11 Dec. 2024
-
An expensive proposition Experts say the UnitedHealthcare killing made clear that the security blanket that protects many top CEOs should be extended to their lieutenants.—
Matt Egan,
CNN,
11 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
RIAs typically hold assets with large custodians like Schwab or Fidelity so there’s no commingling of funds and consumers have a large institution holding the actual funds.—
Ryan Daus,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
-
This process relies on centralized custodians such as WBTC (BitGo), BTCB (Binance), and cbBTC (Coinbase), exposing users to centralization and censorship risks.—
Leeor Shimron,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
But those still remaining at Southbury — along with their families and guardians — have wanted to remain in their longtime homes on the campus.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2025
-
In October 2020, the couple petitioned to be permanent guardians of one of their daughter's friends after being granted temporary guardianship earlier that year.—
Jessica Sager,
People.com,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Platt defends his record Platt was not present.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2025
-
After the game, Willard defends his comments questioning Maryland’s name, image and likeness funds compared with those of other Big Ten counterparts.—
C.J. Doon,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Most clubs would be better off with keepers whose best attribute is being an excellent shot-stopper.—
Nick Miller,
The Athletic,
6 Feb. 2025
-
So Bulls fans would have to wait for Saturday’s home game against the Golden State Warriors to see which ones were keepers and potentially part of the rebuild.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Knox and Shirley visit the forge, where some of his friends reveal a small arsenal of homemade pikes, spears, clubs, and armored chest protectors.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Fierce protectors and fierce love for their human family and goat family.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
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.
Cite this Entry
“Guards.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guards. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share