GUARDED Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

guarded 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgär-dəd

Definition of guarded

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

guarded

2 of 2

verb

past tense of guard

as in protected

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

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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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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 guarded

Adjective

When that happens, people become more guarded, less open and less willing to engage. — Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Our spirits remain guarded, but high, for this one; the Venice Film Festival crowd seemed to eat it up. — Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 3 Sep. 2024

Verb

Role players like Braun and Strawther are less likely to be picked up full-court than Murray, assuming they’re guarded by lesser defenders. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026 Looking sharp Christie said Acuff’s elite offensive skillset is getting ever stronger because he is often guarded by rookie second-round draft pick Emanuel Sharpe in practice. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guarded

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded

Adjective

The third quarter earnings season has only just started, and it's expected to be strong, but investors are growing wary of the market.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Saxberger is wary, but Meyers’s admiration touches something, and soon the older man’s convinced to join a nightly meeting of young aesthetes.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of wary

Verb

As pupils blockaded high schools, large crowds waving flags and placards gathered in Marseille, Strasbourg and other cities.

— NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
On Tuesday, people spilled into the streets for a nationwide day of protest after over two weeks of student demonstrations that have blockaded schools across the country.

— Ellen Francis, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of blockaded

Verb

For example, O’Donnell has staunchly defended Israel and condemned bigotry.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
The secretary general of the nine-member electoral council, Nemrod Sanon visited North Miami this week and defended the changes to the electoral framework.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of defended

Verb

Harris barricaded himself inside the home after the shooting.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
Visitors arriving for a Monday morning visit found the iconic glass pyramid, as well as the Carrousel du Louvre and Passage Richelieu entrances, barricaded by protesters from the École du Louvre, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

— Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of barricaded

Adjective

Full-scale, 10-foot Hulk standins helped actors and camera crews judge his dimensions on set, and even his pants required careful attention.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Turning a field into a recognizable maze requires specialized planning and careful execution.

— Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026