1
as in guardian
a person or group that watches over someone or something
checked in with the security guard at the gate
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2
3
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of guard
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Donovan noted that Kawamura could have played basketball during this time, but the Bulls medical staff held the guard out of all contact activities during his recovery.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
Patrol cars guarded the entrance—and there was no way to get near the prison.
—Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guard
Noun
One of the major contributors has been 6-foot-3 junior guard Johnny Thyfault, who’s averaging 16 points and has become a fan favorite because of his dunking skills.
—Verb
Starting guards Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee ended the first half 0-of-7 shooting and Florida leading just 41-40, with 26 points by Haugh and Condon on 11-of-14 shooting.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
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Before her death, Goodall wrote an open letter — shared with PEOPLE by Animals Asia — about her decision to become Robinson's guardian.—
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Donors should be in good health with no cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms, and must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a parent or guardian’s consent.—
Noun
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The lawsuit put state officials on the defensive, according to the Office of the Legislative Auditor, and deterred them from taking action against the nonprofit.—
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Last week rookie defensive tackle Zeek Biggers blocked a 55-yard field goal attempt.—
Noun
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While the outside world locks into the exhilarating highlights, Johnson drills down on the nuances.—
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After turning the lock with his teeth and tongue, Dawson pushes open the front door and walks out into the night.—
Noun
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Coalition members also agreed to carry on with long-term military support for Ukraine and pledged defense cooperation, including training, defense production and intelligence sharing.—
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Although his unit did not perform particularly well in 2026, ranking 22nd in total defense, 24th in points against and 17th on third down, anyone that has interacted with Weaver knows that his presence screams head coach.—
Noun
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Use the road's lane markings as a guide to staying in the correct lane.—
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However, this guide focuses specifically on the skyway level, organized by building.—
Noun
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The biggest ovation of the night came when Keon Ellis, who has fallen out of the rotation despite being one of the team’s best defenders and 3-point shooters, entered the game for the first time at the start of the fourth quarter.—
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Last season’s Most Improved Player was the primary defender on Dončić, who was held to 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting from the field in 27 minutes.—
Verb
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Leaving stems and leaves intact through winter provides extra insulation to plant roots and crowns and protects plants from cold damage.—
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Remember, the park was originally protected because of its biodiversity, which is its biggest draw.—
Verb
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At first, Israel blockaded Gaza entirely, against the United States’ wishes.—
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In recent weeks, JNIM has effectively blockaded Bamako, targeting critical fuel convoys and supply lines.—
Cite this Entry
“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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