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
He speaks with an athlete’s guardedness, too, that post-game interview cadence where each wooden sentence tries to bore the camera into leaving them alone.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 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
It’s a habit that like Sylvia’s wariness and physical reserve — she doesn’t readily make eye contact and tends to cross her arms in front of her chest — underscores her guardedness.
From New York Times ● Jan. 4, 2024
There was no guardedness, no defensive wall, no spacey/absent look.
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
