as in wary
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
a guarded man who knew better than to reveal such delicate information guarded actions
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in protected
to drive danger or attack away from
guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked
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2
as in blockaded
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 guarded
Emma Fraser and Sophie Brookover, Town & Country, 21 Dec. 2022
The guarded and pessimistic mood that results from this oppression permeates this melodrama, all the way down to its muted color palette.
—Katie Rife, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2022
Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
The account was not guarded by an extra layer of security known as multi-factor authentication.
—Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Adjective
After his relationship with Jan (Amy Ryan) ended dramatically, Charles (Steve Martin) is even more guarded with his heart in season two.
—Verb
Then, in December, the full-scale review of the Duke of Sussex’s security by the official body that assesses how royals and VIPs are guarded commenced.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
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Hamilton, wary of France’s descent into chaos and its aggressive wars, contended that treaties are contracts with specific regimes, not eternal bonds irrespective of change.—
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As measles outbreaks flared up across the US last year, causing a record number of cases, Scott Thorpe kept a wary eye on Spartanburg County, South Carolina.—
Verb
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Trim the dead parts, shake the soil off, and store them in a cool, dark location where they are protected from the cold.—
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So she’s introduced a new contract to make sure she’s protected from fluctuating prices.—
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.—
Adjective
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Be especially cautious in school zones and watch for children and the flashing lights of school buses.—
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Two years as a mental health patient had taught Virginia to be cautious.—
Verb
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The New England Patriots defended home turf in the Wild Card Round, dominating the Los Angeles Chargers in a 16-3 victory to move on in the NFL Playoffs.—
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Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson defended the final-drive defense afterward.—
Verb
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The man barricaded himself inside a room on the eighth floor with an elderly patient and a hospital security guard.—
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Officers arrived at the hospital a few minutes later and were sent to the eighth floor, where hospital staff pointed them to the room where the suspect was barricaded.—
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
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These soft and chewy treats are the result of dozens of careful recipe tests.—
Verb
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Covered entities must clearly explain how protected health information is used and safeguarded.—
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In that collection, over 100 scientists from four continents explain how frogs, trees, ducks and lions stand to benefit when refugia in their habitats are identified and safeguarded.—
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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