ward 1 of 2

noun

ˈwȯrd How to pronounce ward (audio)
Definition of wardnext
1
as in defense
means or method of defending frequent hand washing is an oft-recommended ward against the spread of common germs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in custody
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something gained the ward of his cousin upon the death of her parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

ward

2 of 2

verb

as in to protect
to drive danger or attack away from vowed that he would take whatever measures were necessary to ward the nation's people

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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 ward
Noun
The hospital shuttered its 10-bed unit for children in mental health crisis this month and temporarily closed a separate ward with 11 beds for adults. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 Set in reform schools, psychiatric wards, or overcrowded orphanages, the narratives explore the systemic erasure of identity. — Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Verb
To ward off negative publicity, sportsbooks trumpet their programs for responsible gaming. — Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026 To ward pests and disease, the gardening company recommends using organic sprays or Neem oil and regularly checking your plants for signs of infestation or illness. — McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ward
  1. defense
  2. custody
  3. protect
  4. ammunition
  5. care
  6. defend
  7. safeguard
  8. guard
Noun
  • The official added that the administration’s broader message to allies remains focused on increasing defense spending and military readiness.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The decision came before Carney headed to this week’s NATO summit, where allies face pressure to back higher defense spending with concrete plans.
    — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of defense
Noun
  • Officials confirmed that one person was detained in connection with the shooting, but did not confirm if the woman was the individual taken into custody.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • In a statement, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office said Runnels was not an in-custody death.
    — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Definition of custody
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • McBride said Robinson's DNA was found on the towel and the rifle, and similar ammunition was found at his home.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Explosions at Ndjili International Airport in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, triggered by a fire in an ammunition dump, kill more than 100 people.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026
Definition of ammunition
Noun
  • The government sets prices One basic reason why doctors earn a lot is that medical care costs a lot, researchers say.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Talat’s mocktails display the same thoughtfulness, intention and care as the food.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of care
Verb
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • This year, Argentina is defending its World Cup title, with Messi widely regarded as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of defend
Noun
  • Alarum also says its SDKs are meant for bandwidth-sharing with notice, consent and safeguards.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Leaders should be careful about sharing sensitive company information, employee details, legal matters or confidential strategy without the right safeguards.
    — Rawad Baroud, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of safeguard
Verb
  • Diving for loose balls, boxing out, guarding whoever Steve Kerr told him to, and occasionally making a basket.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • Chiefs guard Trey Smith is not the only member of his family currently in the NFL, as his sister Ashley has a role in the league office.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
Definition of guard

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war cry
ward
warded
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Cite this Entry

“Ward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ward

Nglish: Translation of ward for Spanish Speakers

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