guarded
adjective
cautious; careful; prudent.
guardedness
-
a word derived from
guarded.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Thereafter, he became a self-described “crony and confidant,” despite McMurtry’s guardedness.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 2026
His warmth offsets Ridley’s performance of Fran’s awkward guardedness, and Robert’s persistence helps to crack her open — an uncomfortable but ultimately necessary process.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 31, 2024
The performer’s warmth and charisma nicely offset Kira’s guardedness and outsider status, and that combination makes the character seem more complicated than the bit of back story she’s been given.
From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2024
Obstacles to emotional connection include the transient nature of incarceration and a guardedness we develop because showing vulnerability to other prisoners can be dangerous.
From Slate ● Sep. 12, 2023
There was no guardedness, no defensive wall, no spacey/absent look.
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
