safeguard 1 of 2

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as in precaution
a measure taken to preclude loss or injury safeguards that were intended to assure our security, but not at the expense of our liberty

Synonyms & Similar Words

safeguard

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word safeguard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of safeguard are defend, guard, protect, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When might defend be a better fit than safeguard?

While the synonyms defend and safeguard are close in meaning, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When is it sensible to use guard instead of safeguard?

Although the words guard and safeguard have much in common, guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

When is protect a more appropriate choice than safeguard?

The words protect and safeguard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

When could shield be used to replace safeguard?

The synonyms shield and safeguard are sometimes interchangeable, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

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 safeguard
Noun
Supporters argue that precious metals offer a safeguard against the declining value of the U.S. dollar, which can be impacted by large-scale federal spending and policies set by the Federal Reserve. Luciano Duque, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025 Left to their own devices, private AI companies give lip service to ethical safeguards, but tend not to implement them. Mark Temnycky, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
Verb
To address the gaps, OSHA in 2024 proposed a rule that would require employers to create plans to safeguard employees from extreme heat. Alain Sherter, CBS News, 30 June 2025 Here are the key takeaways: A group of wealthy investors will make an offer to buy TikTok, Trump said, hinting at a deal that could safeguard the future of the popular social media platform, which is owned by China’s ByteDance. David Klepper, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for safeguard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeguard
Noun
  • Jones and Vega were not the first to allege conflicts of interests, protection and a cover-up.
    Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • This charming pagoda-style umbrella offers UPF 50 protection for scorching summer days, is easily adjustable, and even tilts.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
  • So far, no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported, but the company is issuing the recall as a precaution.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Snag straw bags that are ideal for a beach day or brunch, straw hats to keep your face protected from the sun, and popular shoe styles like woven flats, simple black flip flops, and kitten heels.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 5 July 2025
  • From quick rinses to gentle drying, here's how to protect your swimwear for seasons to come.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • If Green is ready to make an impact as a rookie, the Ravens’ defense will be a handful for opponents.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Prior to Monday night’s game, Cora talked about the team’s improved base running and strong defense being keys to their latest success.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • And the company defended its driver-assistance systems.
    Joel Rose, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday defended the administration’s response to the disastrous July 4 floods in Texas, as its management of the Federal Emergency Management Agency receives scrutiny.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Sprinkle topping on top of pie; shield edges of piecrust to prevent excess browning.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 3 July 2025
  • This five-layer sun shield blocks heat from the Sun, Earth and even the Moon, helping Webb stay incredibly cold: around -370 degrees F (-223 degrees C).
    Adi Foord, The Conversation, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • South Korean intelligence officials have estimated that the North has sent Russia roughly 13,000 soldiers and millions of artillery shells, and Ukrainian officials believe as much as 40% of Russia’s ammunition now comes from North Korea, Bloomberg reported.
    Mathias Hammer, semafor.com, 13 July 2025
  • Russia and North Korea’s alliance has strengthened, as seen in North Korea’s supply of troops and ammunition to the Ukrainian battlefield in support of Russia.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Safeguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeguard. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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