1
as in keepers
a person who takes care of a property sometimes for an absent owner
the custodian made his usual rounds of the building to make sure that everything was OK
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in guardians
a person or group that watches over someone or something
served as custodian of the prisoner until he could be turned over to federal authorities
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in defenders
someone that protects
we must regard ourselves as custodians of the Earth so that its natural resources may be enjoyed by many generations to come
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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 custodians
Night custodians were finishing up their rounds.
—
Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Athletic coaches, people responding to emergencies, people supervising inmates, custodians, and people helping children who need bathroom assistance get a pass.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Markups apply to the metals themselves, while IRA fees cover account setup, administration and storage through third-party custodians and depositories.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
The union represents more than 30,000 district employees, including teacher aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, computer techs, custodians and gardeners.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Most gold custodians allow investors to complete the application online or over the phone, and approval typically occurs within a few days once identity verification and basic documentation are completed.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Members include correctional officers, sergeants, maintenance workers, custodians, cafeteria workers and school bus drivers.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Of the 221 positions being cut — which include paraeducators, assistants, clerks, custodians, special-education staff, food service staff and more — 88 are already vacant, the district said.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Classified employees — or non-teaching staff who support school operations such instructional aids, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service workers and bus drivers — will not hold a collective sympathy strike, although individual members are legally allowed to do so.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Athletic coaches, people responding to emergencies, people supervising inmates, custodians, and people helping children who need bathroom assistance get a pass.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Markups apply to the metals themselves, while IRA fees cover account setup, administration and storage through third-party custodians and depositories.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
The union represents more than 30,000 district employees, including teacher aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, computer techs, custodians and gardeners.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Most gold custodians allow investors to complete the application online or over the phone, and approval typically occurs within a few days once identity verification and basic documentation are completed.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Members include correctional officers, sergeants, maintenance workers, custodians, cafeteria workers and school bus drivers.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Of the 221 positions being cut — which include paraeducators, assistants, clerks, custodians, special-education staff, food service staff and more — 88 are already vacant, the district said.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Classified employees — or non-teaching staff who support school operations such instructional aids, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service workers and bus drivers — will not hold a collective sympathy strike, although individual members are legally allowed to do so.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custodians
Noun
-
Raised by Samburu keepers who act as surrogate parents, these elephants are nurtured back to health and prepared for life in the wild.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The zoo asks that no one approach her directly — only her keepers should make contact.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Before infants were enrolled in the AL16 study, their parents or guardians had to sign consent forms disclosing, among other things, the risks that clinical trial subjects would face.—
David Hilzenrath,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Other exceptions include an allowance for coaches to enter during athletic events, or for parents or guardians to accompany a child or family member who needs assistance.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With the Heat continuing to play small, Siakam was able to shoot over smaller defenders, including an easy jumper over Davion Mitchell, who’s eight inches shorter at an even six feet.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
-
With key Pistons defenders like Ausar Thompson (ankle), Cade Cunningham (lung), and Isaiah Stewart (calf) sidelined or doubtful, Gilgeous-Alexander has a prime opportunity to exploit the matchup.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
More than 60% of janitors, cooks, home health aids, construction workers and landscapers are immigrants.—
Sara DiNatale,
San Francisco Chronicle,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Columbia students, along with outside agitators, broke into an academic building and temporarily detained the janitors inside.—
Rose Horowitch,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Consider installing gutter guards or screens, which help block debris from entering while still allowing water through.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
-
For homeowners who want to minimize ongoing gutter work, guards represent a practical investment.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Preservation Chicago and Landmarks Illinois remain invaluable protectors of our architectural heritage.—
Jennifer N. Pritzker,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Old bed sheets are the perfect textile protectors, keeping your couch looking and smelling fresh for longer.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Lamont administration has also argued that the program actually creates a burden for some enrollees, who are responsible for recruiting their own caretakers and may find that overwhelming.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The new owners see themselves as caretakers.—
Abby Dodge,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The state wardens and other cops who knew and worked with Bob Markle weren’t just honoring his memory by attending his funeral.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Armas said the prison wardens never switched off the lights.—
Manuel Rueda,
NPR,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Custodians.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custodians. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
