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

If she can cast off her guardedness of recent years and really make it count, there’s no Hollywood comeback I’d welcome more.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2025

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

There was a guardedness on his face, something close to sadness.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie