as in protecting
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as in defense
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in defending
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 blockading
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 guarding
Randy Jennings, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
The internet is obsessed with a giant dog trying to show his guarding skills against an unusual trespasser.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
Painful stiffness that varies dramatically in intensity based on stress levels, sleep quality or emotional state also suggests protective guarding.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Anunoby began the series primarily guarding 6-10 center Onyeka Okongwu, a shooting threat who thrives at the pick-and-pop.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
His defensive contributions have aided four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert’s efforts guarding Jokić, the three-time MVP, one-on-one.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The Ukrainian military still maintains a presence at Chernobyl, closely guarding the infrastructure and protecting one of the main roads to Kyiv from another Russian assault.
—Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
And Gobert was up to the task of guarding Jokic in isolation when the Nuggets decided to clear out on a handful of clutch possessions.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
Harshaw asked Drozd to order the federal agents guarding Mendoza Hernandez to allow him a half-hour meeting with his lawyer before transporting him again.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Being the harder-playing team and just guarding.
—Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
In the photos, Fillmore sits proudly on the grass guarding his home, and later poses with a firefighter.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
Carter’s 6-10 twin towers Jackson and junior Shaqere Kizzee clogged the middle defensively, forcing Kennedale to settle for 3-pointers or difficult jumpers against tight guarding.
—Randy Jennings, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
The internet is obsessed with a giant dog trying to show his guarding skills against an unusual trespasser.
—Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
Painful stiffness that varies dramatically in intensity based on stress levels, sleep quality or emotional state also suggests protective guarding.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
Bartholomew was shot and killed inside Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital Saturday morning while guarding someone in custody.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Anunoby began the series primarily guarding 6-10 center Onyeka Okongwu, a shooting threat who thrives at the pick-and-pop.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
His defensive contributions have aided four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert’s efforts guarding Jokić, the three-time MVP, one-on-one.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The Ukrainian military still maintains a presence at Chernobyl, closely guarding the infrastructure and protecting one of the main roads to Kyiv from another Russian assault.
—Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
And Gobert was up to the task of guarding Jokic in isolation when the Nuggets decided to clear out on a handful of clutch possessions.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
Harshaw asked Drozd to order the federal agents guarding Mendoza Hernandez to allow him a half-hour meeting with his lawyer before transporting him again.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Being the harder-playing team and just guarding.
—Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026
In the photos, Fillmore sits proudly on the grass guarding his home, and later poses with a firefighter.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarding
Noun
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When heathy, Kancey has been a big part of the Bucs defense.—
Rick Stroud,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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But the shortages of Patriot defense systems remain a concern amid reports that the Pentagon is considering diverting advanced defensive weapons earmarked for Ukraine to the Middle East.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Ahead of them, Joe Willock (white) was in position to defend a short corner and Jacob Murphy (orange) played a hybrid role to help disrupt Gabriel, before protecting the area near the penalty spot and also keeping an eye out for late runners.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Our highest priority is the safety of our people, the security of our assets, protecting the environment.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The blockading country's navy must essentially pull over ships, like a traffic cop at sea.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
16 Apr. 2026
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Since the Ayatollah was killed, Iran has gained leverage over the United States and Israel by blockading the Strait of Hormuz and torpedoing the global economy.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At the same time, in the United States and around the world, women’s rights and protections are being systematically stripped away.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
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By combining cutting-edge protection, mobility, and digital integration, these vehicles are set to play a crucial role in enhancing military effectiveness and safeguarding personnel.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Just as significantly, Anunoby spent much of Tuesday night defending Jalen Johnson, the resurgent Hawks’ only All-Star, who finished with a modest 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
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Then Quentin Davie, the new coach of defending champion Hebron Christian and a close friend, called with an opportunity to join his staff.—
Jack Leo,
AJC.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After barricading himself in a home for over an hour Friday morning, Abugharbieh eventually surrendered to police wearing only a towel, as seen on aerial video of the incident.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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The 26-year-old former student surrendered Friday after barricading himself in his family home during a domestic violence call.—
Holly Ramer,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Our Safer Sport department has embedded safeguarding and player care at the heart of the academy experience.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Executives and boards need to realize that choices made about the gathering, storing, and safeguarding of data have a direct impact on the risk and reputation of the company.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In another, Hurst snapped a picture of a man sleeping rough on a slab of cardboard, one arm shielding his eyes from the sun, and the other pulling up his shirt suggestively.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
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The evolving dynamic was on full display outside the Supreme Court on April 27, when a group of activists protested a case about shielding pesticide companies from cancer lawsuits.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guarding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarding. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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