SHIELDS Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

shields 1 of 2

noun

plural of shield

as in defenses

means or method of defending the slightly built boy used his sharp wit as a shield against the school's bullies

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shields

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of shield

as in protects

to drive danger or attack away from celebrities who are shielded by a cluster of bodyguards whenever they appear in public

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as in covers

to place a protective layer over she shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

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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 shields

Noun

Swarms of police officers descended from helicopters and beat them with billy clubs and metal shields. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 In Paris, tear gas filled the air, and trash cans, school desks and chairs were set alight as riot police with shields and batons clashed with some demonstrators. — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026 Its formula contains red algae extract, an antioxidant the brand says shields hair from pollution for up to 48 hours, and Olaplex’s signature bond-building technology, strengthening weak, overprocessed strands. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 Cliches were wielded like shields Tuesday, protecting against the imminent threat of social clips construed as bulletin board material. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 Some demonstrators cursed at police officers holding riot shields, while others yelled out as passing cars honked in support of the protest. — Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026 There are also three shields on the top deck, high up where everyone can stare accusatorily at whoever is brazen enough to grab one. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026 In the Dungeon Restaurant, diners feast on contemporary Scottish cuisine, their tables surrounded by suits of armor and shields. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 17 Sep. 2026 Police responded with tear gas and smoke bombs, batons and shields. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026

Verb

With methane—a potent greenhouse gas—ousted from the atmosphere, and the creation of the UV-protective ozone layer (which still shields us from the sun’s rays today), the Earth began to cool and experienced one of its earliest ice ages. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 The hacks could tee up a fight over liability reminiscent of the debate over Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which shields technology companies for material posted on their platforms. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 This tough outer layer shields the underlying wood from pests, disease, and harsh sunlight and winds. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2026 The injunction shields members who use pronouns or names assigned at birth when referring to transgender people. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 At the federal level, attempts have been made to repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which shields firearm makers and dealers from civil liability. — Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026 Bumble and bumble’s Heat Shield mist is made to be sprayed onto dry hair before a flat iron, curling iron, or other hot tool, providing essential UV protection that shields color. — Polly Blitzer, Glamour, 9 Sep. 2026 Homeowners selling a primary residence who meet certain IRS conditions can qualify for a tax break, known as the Section 121 exclusion, that shields up to $250,000 of profits for single filers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. — Annie Nova,sarah Agostino,kelli Grant, Cfp®, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 Banning corporate cross-border stablecoins shields Pretoria’s currency controls at the direct expense of corporate productivity. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shields

Noun

For now, the study identifies a previously underappreciated part of the immune system that could help overcome one of SCLC’s most persistent defenses.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
The restriction disrupted operations, including making the slower-flying attack drones easier targets for Russian defenses.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of defenses

Verb

The Idaho Consumer Protection Act, enacted in 1971, protects consumers from false, deceptive or misleading representations, advertising, pricing and contracts.

— Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026
Rules finalized in 2024 also provided recognition that Title IX protects LGBTQ+ students and made live hearings optional.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of protects

Noun

This type of structured risk assessment is already extensively used in industry through HAZOP reviews, where potential deviations, causes, consequences and safeguards are systematically examined before a process is put into operation.

— Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Doomsday warnings about its risks have now become impossible to ignore, and protestors are taking to the streets to demand stronger safeguards.

— Rumman Chowdhury, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of safeguards

Verb

Continue reading … SOUR NOTE — Hayley Williams unleashes vulgar insult at DHS after agency defends ICE officers.

— , FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Hugo Weaving plays a brilliant but disgraced attorney, drowning in debt, who reluctantly defends an allegedly dangerous dog, battling to save its life.

— Emily Longeretta, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of defends

Noun

The measure extends those protections to public ways within 1,000 feet of court facilities, while preserving an exception for arrests made under a valid judicial warrant.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
The allegations against him remain unproven, and he is entitled to the full protections of the United States Constitution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of protections

Noun

From elevating beds to expanding sections to sliding walls and even entire roofs, these 10 homes transform to get maximum use out of a compact space.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Frosted glass walls reveal a garden of oversize, colorful leather flowers, while wood and leather, recurring materials in Polène’s stores, appear in the furnishings.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of walls

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shielding

shields

shies

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Style

“Shields.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shields. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shields

noun

verb

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