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 say the changes would offer more safeguards to homeowners navigating complex and costly disputes like the one Baldwin is still fighting. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025 The industry considers prior authorization an important safeguard to make sure their policyholders’ care is safe, appropriate and affordable. Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 23 June 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
  • Forecasters predict the worst of a record-setting heat wave may soon be over — but millions still need to take precautions to stay safe from dangerous heat.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • Castor oil packs are generally safe for most people when used correctly, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind:13141516 Skin reactions: Castor oil may cause itching, redness, or rashes in people with sensitive skin or allergies.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Today the act protects more than 2,300 plant and animal species in the US and abroad.
    Christine Peterson, Wired News, 5 July 2025
  • The show, based on a novella by the author Martha Wells, follows a snarky private-security cyborg (played by Alexander Skarsgård) assigned to protect a group of scientists investigating a mostly uncharted planet.
    Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 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
  • The medium-to-long-range layer, David’s Sling, has replaced Patriot batteries supplied by the United States, defending against both aircraft, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles using a missile called Stunner.
    Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Thanks to the oceans on either side of us, the frozen wasteland to the north, and a gentle behemoth to the south, no one thought much about having to defend our borders.
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 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
  • Detonating Everything In fact, the Russians might be said to have originated the tactic of using small drones to bring the detonator with their series of sabotage attacks against Ukrainian ammunition depots in 2017.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Ukraine is completely out of ammunition for its two vital missile defense SAMP/T batteries, the Franco-Italian version of the U.S. Patriot missile defense system, according to sources speaking with Le Monde late last month.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Safeguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/safeguard. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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