fence
12 synonyms for fence, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A barrier, usually made of wood, metal, or wire, marking a boundary or enclosing an area.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A barrier, usually made of wood, metal, or wire, marking a boundary or enclosing an area.
“A low metal fence runs along the edge of the playground.”
How to use fence
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sit on the fence
mend fences
fence stolen goods
Etymology
A shortening of Middle English "defence" — a fence is, at root, simply a thing that defends or encloses.
Full origin of fence →Frequently asked questions
What does “fence” mean?
The word “fence” means a barrier, usually made of wood, metal, or wire, marking a boundary or enclosing an area. In plain terms, most often a physical barrier around property; also a criminal who trades in stolen goods, or the sport of sword-fighting.
How do you pronounce “fence”?
“Fence” is pronounced fehns (/fɛns/ in IPA).
How do you use “fence” in a sentence?
Here is “fence” used in a sentence: “They put up a wooden fence around the garden.”
What part of speech is “fence”?
Depending on how it is used, “fence” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fence” come from?
The word “fence” comes from Middle English. A shortening of Middle English "defence" — a fence is, at root, simply a thing that defends or encloses.
Is “fence” a common word?
“Fence” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “fence” have?
“Fence” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a barrier, usually made of wood, metal, or wire, marking a boundary or enclosing an area.
What is the difference between a "fence" and a "wall"?
A fence is usually a lighter barrier of wood, metal, or wire that marks a boundary or encloses an area, while a wall is a solid, continuous structure of brick, stone, or concrete. Fences are often partly see-through, whereas walls are solid.
What is the difference between a "fence" and a "hedge"?
A fence is a constructed barrier of wood, metal, or wire, while a hedge is a living boundary formed by closely planted shrubs or bushes. Both mark or enclose an area, but a hedge is made of plants.
