Guards
6 synonyms for Guards, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Elite military regiments, especially ceremonial units tasked with protecting a monarch or head of state.
Synonyms
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.
guardsmen
sentries
sentinels
watchmen
protectors
Frequently asked questions
What does “Guards” mean?
The word “Guards” means elite military regiments, especially ceremonial units tasked with protecting a monarch or head of state. In plain terms, plural of guard; often refers specifically to elite ceremonial military regiments.
How do you use “Guards” in a sentence?
Here is “Guards” used in a sentence: “The Guards marched in formation outside the palace.”
What part of speech is “Guards”?
“Guards” is a noun.
Is “Guards” a common word?
“Guards” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "guard" and "guards"?
A single "guard" is one person who protects a place or person, while "Guards" often refers to elite military regiments, especially ceremonial units that protect a monarch or head of state. The Changing of the Guard in London involves soldiers from these Guards regiments.
Why is "Guards" sometimes written with a capital letter?
When "Guards" names a specific elite regiment, such as the Grenadier Guards or Coldstream Guards, it is treated as a proper noun and capitalised. Written in lower case, "guards" simply means several people who watch over or protect something.
What is the difference between "the Guards" and a "bodyguard"?
"The Guards" refers to formal military regiments with ceremonial and combat roles, whereas a bodyguard is an individual, often civilian, hired to protect one particular person. The Guards serve the state or monarch, while a bodyguard serves a private client.