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
The extraction process alone generates billions of tons of CO2 emissions—comparable in some instances, such as lithium mining, to the carbon footprint of coal mining, yet without any meaningful regulatory safeguards typically associated with fossil fuel industries. Michaela Rychetska and Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 13 Feb. 2025 There is no way to make anything completely foolproof, and that includes any safeguards built into a mirror cell that could prevent the risk of accidental or deliberate release into the environment. Kate Adamala, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay focuses on sustainability by preserving over 1,100 acres of land for conservation and safeguarding local culture. Dyana Lederman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2025 From helping endangered species recover to protecting food sources, my bill to safeguard biodiversity in our coastal ecosystems is crucial, common-sense legislation. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for safeguard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for safeguard
Noun
  • That said, winter is the perfect time to invest in luxury beauty products that deliver real protection against environmental stressors.
    Tira Urquhart, Essence, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Drivers had been pushing for minimum wages and other protections since 2023, but Gov. Tim Walz vetoed the first version of a wage bill that passed that year.
    Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While consumer spending may shift to lower-cost substitutes in a recession, these companies have taken precautions to dampen any worrisome investors.
    Steven Dudash, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Beyond vaccination, Altmann suggests taking daily precautions to minimize your risk of getting sick.
    Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The concentric layers of photon shields protect the sensitive optical instruments from the heat of the Earth and sun.
    Stephen J. Beard, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
  • This set of five is made of sturdy plastic, spring-loaded for staying power, and adjustable for drawers both large and small, complete with foamy feet to protect furniture.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Though Senate Republicans have pushed for two bills to address Mr. Trump's priorities, House Republicans are pursuing one major bill to address border security, defense and energy priorities, along with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Starmer presented Trump with a significant gift ahead of his trip, announcing on Tuesday that Britain would hike its defense spending to 2.5% by 2027, and to 3% by the middle of the next decade.
    Rob Picheta, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Freire defended the title twice before adding the Bellator lightweight title to his trophy case.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Cardano, defended the selection process when economist Peter Schiff questioned XRP's inclusion.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There is now a furore over 500 billion Euros in defense bonds, joint nuclear shields and defense equipment shopping lists.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Above Chernobyl: After a Russian drone strike blew a hole in the radiation shield looming 40 stories above the site, Ukraine is working to patch what covers the wreckage of the world’s worst nuclear accident.
    Kim Barker, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In September, Egypt conducted a military drill in Sinai using live ammunition, followed by a military parade in October that was attended by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi.
    Sarah El Sirgany, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • During his arrest, law enforcement officials allegedly located and seized 27 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 44 grams of cocaine, 32 grams of crack cocaine, $3,200 in cash, and a box of .45 caliber ammunition, court records show.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Safeguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/safeguard. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

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