custodian

noun

ˌkə-ˈstō-dē-ən How to pronounce custodian (audio)
Definition of custodiannext
1
as in keeper
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

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2
as in guardian
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

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3
as in defender
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

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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 custodian Today, fifth-generation Fiorentinos are the custodians of this old-world, grandest of grand hotels, nearing its 200th anniversary. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Mireles was not found during that search, but his body was discovered a week later by a custodian working on the county property within a few hundred feet of the jail. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Every year Jim Evans faces the challenge of keeping health care costs reasonable for the more than 400 teachers, custodians and bus drivers at Concord Community Schools. — Alex Olgin, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 After working as a tennis instructor and a custodian, someone at his church suggested teaching. — Jp Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for custodian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custodian
  1. keeper
  2. guardian
  3. defender
  4. janitor
  5. warden
  6. protector
  7. caretaker
  8. guard
Noun
  • Brazilian ’keeper Rogerio Ceni was Sao Paulo’s set-piece taker between 1997 and 2015, and scored 129 goals.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Allison Rugila, associate Sound keeper with Save the Sound, said that the presence of dolphins in the Long Island Sound points to both an ecological success story and a potential warning about the impacts of climate change.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of keeper
Noun
  • Noschese recommends the parents and guardians of her clients to attend the presentation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Hermès positions itself above the melee, as a guardian of tasteful continuity.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • The defender sustained the injuries following a late challenge from Van Bommel, 22, in the final stages of the league match at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
    — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The Dolphins full-court pressed Herring because of his skill set and reputation as a stout run defender, which is a massive need for the 2026 team new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is putting together and Jeff Hafley’s responsible for coaching.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of defender
Noun
  • As Mona loses herself in her character, a building superintendent named Miss Danielle, her wardrobe, courtesy of costume designer Stacey Battat, goes from prim cardigans to ripped jeans to an actual coverall she’s stolen from a janitor.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
  • That year, Klum went out with a bang, winning the competition with her Golden Buzzer act, singing janitor Richard Goodall.
    — Joelle Goldstein, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of janitor
Noun
  • The wardens decided to leave the area and attempt to make the arrest on another day.
    — David Zeug, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Playing that cat, a work camp warden coercing Hawke’s character into smuggling gold through the wilderness, is none other than Russell Crowe.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of warden
Noun
  • Rivers is a dependable pass protector and rusher and is a key special teams player.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • As silly as White and Enes Kanter Freedom look during their cosplay as protectors of women’s sports, the league still had to acknowledge their foolishness and respond that neither man is eligible for the WNBA draft.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of protector
Noun
  • Most recently, Jackson’s namesake was appointed Burnley’s caretaker manager until the end of the 2025/26 season.
    — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • During his testimony, the prosecution produced a spiral notebook in which Clancy had left instructions for caretakers on when to put down the baby, which vegetables to prepare for dinner, how to cut up the sweet potatoes.
    — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of caretaker
Noun
  • The right-side combo of tackle JC Latham and rookie camp surprise Fernando Carmona at guard are particularly intriguing as a run-blocking combo.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Rookie Jake Slaughter moves to that critical spot, and although the second-round pick played that position in college, the Chargers were hoping to start him at guard.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of guard

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custodian
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Cite this Entry

“Custodian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custodian. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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