guardedness

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

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

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