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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

While official passenger manifests and exact arrival times were closely guarded, local sources indicated the inaugural cohort consisted largely of South American nationals. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 The Vatican has for centuries zealously guarded the pope's health and has often sent out confusing information, or none at all, about papal illnesses. — CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for guarded

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded

Adjective

Haugen is wary of entering a 10- to 15-year lock up at high interest rates.

— Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
The president lost in court, but Democrats are still wary of mail-in voting as the midterm election approaches.

— Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of wary

Verb

Protesters have broken into schools and, in some cases, set fire to occupied or blockaded buildings.

— Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of blockaded

Adjective

Be cautious about unfamiliar apps with extensive permissions.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
And while Denton appears to be the right person to focus on cost savings and efficiencies, Wall Street remained cautious on the timing of Nike’s turnaround.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of cautious

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

And so far, things seem to be operating smoothly — something local residents have grown to expect, given the high caliber of local elections officials and the careful oversight of political parties.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
His work is known for its careful handling of color and its feel for the mood of ordinary days.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026