FENCES Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

fences 1 of 2

noun

plural of fence

as in walls

a physical object that blocks the way the only way to prevent motorists from trying to use that unsafe bridge is to put a fence across the road leading to it

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fences

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of fence

as in protects

to drive danger or attack away from had worked as a bodyguard, fencing a number of pop stars at big events

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of fences

Noun

Good fences might make good neighbors, as the old saying goes, but would a silk fence make a good fence? — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026 Renderings introducing the project never showed the walls and fences that now cover the plaza’s perimeter. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Restricting the American Dream This story goes beyond paint colors and fences. — Stephanie A. Dhuman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 The legacy data center strategy relied on secrecy—unmarked, fortress-like facilities hidden behind high security fences with minimal community outreach. — Kevin Brown, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Decorative brick columns will be constructed at the end of the fences and brick paving will be placed between the road’s concrete barrier and the sidewalk. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026 Most timber horses begin their careers over hurdles, Garner said, although the transition requires them to become more careful jumpers because timber fences do not give way as easily. — Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026 Swinging for the fences is a common term heard not only on the diamond but in various parts of life. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026 At Lucas, much of the park meets the city behind fences, and its rooftop gardens and balconies are generally open only for special events or for diners at its upscale restaurant. — Sam Lubell, Curbed, 21 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fences

Noun

The tomb’s entrance passage, with narrowing walls and descending axis, creates a liminal stage to orient the body before entering the burial chamber.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
Beyond the walls of the company’s London headquarters, which is filled with thousands of its plushy pink octopus mascots, Jackson’s empire may look like an unwieldy one.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of walls

Noun

All suites on the second floor come without steps and barriers (and spacious bathrooms but not specifically adapted with accessibility features).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Compliance checks would ensure trading entities maintain informational barriers with their sibling exchange, including the use of separate physical offices.

— Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of barriers

Verb

The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the country.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 7 Oct. 2026
Different views on the topic Hilton defends the ad as a humorous, provocative way to reach Californians who are dissatisfied with the state’s direction but might not ordinarily consider voting Republican.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of defends

Noun

Public Works is preparing for 24-hour operations, monitoring low-water crossings, dams, roadways, debris and traffic signals while staging barricades for potential road closures.

— Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 30 Sep. 2026
There are plenty of barricades built with the explicit goal of keeping certain types of artists from access ing those rooms.

— Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of barricades

Verb

With methane—a potent greenhouse gas—ousted from the atmosphere, and the creation of the UV-protective ozone layer (which still shields us from the sun’s rays today), the Earth began to cool and experienced one of its earliest ice ages.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
The hacks could tee up a fight over liability reminiscent of the debate over Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which shields technology companies for material posted on their platforms.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of shields

Verb

Klaatu's giant robot sidekick, Gort, then steps out of the vessel, obliterates a load of firearms with his laser eyes, and silently guards the ship as his master is taken to hospital.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
But with Smith now sidelined, Heat rookie guards Tre Donaldson and Ryan Conwell will have an opportunity to play a bigger role in practices and in games this preseason.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of guards

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fencers

fences

fences (in)

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“Fences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fences. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fences

noun

verb

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