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 Every interaction a child has from the superintendent to a school’s custodian could have a lasting impact, which Sims knew, Brooks said. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026 Mark Glende, Rosemount, is an elementary school custodian. Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 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 After the Soviet Union collapsed, the United States spent years — and billions of dollars through the Nunn-Lugar program — scrambling to secure biological, chemical, and nuclear stockpiles that suddenly had no reliable custodian. Ashish K. Jha, STAT, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for custodian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custodian
Noun
  • Carroll keeper Sophie Adcock, who was superb in goal in the match, didn’t have a chance as Brundage buried it in the back of the net.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Reus took matters into his hands to tie the score six minutes later, putting a sharp right-footed shot on goal that Minnesota keeper Drake Callender parried away, then Reus jumped on the rebound with his left foot and lifted the ball over Callender, who was still on the ground.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Police said officers remained at the school as a precaution and said there was no need for parents or guardians to respond before dismissal.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
  • While the breed’s protective instincts are part of its history as a working guardian dog, Fallon says that same quality can also feel empowering in her everyday life.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • As the pandemic set in, Garrison occasionally drove downtown in his Cadillac and met with Claude Kelly, the public defender, in his deserted office.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • In the 11th minute, SDFC threatened to take a 2-0 lead when Valakari split a pair of Minnesota defenders before blasting a low attempt from the top of the box.
    Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These outsourced workers received markedly lower wages than janitors who worked directly for Harvard.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • As university officials weigh how to respond to the professors’ strike, simultaneous negotiations with the UPI chapter representing the university’s support staff, which includes janitors, office administrators and culinary workers, will also be underway.
    Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • If that is the case, the warden announces on the intercom system that the sentence was carried out and witnesses are directed to exit.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The sheriff also said the warden had reached out regarding an allegation of an incident under the Prison Rape Elimination Act, but then did not call the department back to further investigate.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (Disney+) Lunella Lafayette (voiced by Diamond White), a genius teen and protector of her New York City neighborhood, takes on the challenges of superhero life alongside her massive partner, Devil Dinosaur (Fred Tatasciore).
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
  • At only 6-foot-4, White is the NBA’s shortest rim-protector, someone who the Celtics have used in a new way this season — and with roaring success.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The hotel room was a suite, with the caretaker in the living room and Ward was in the bedroom, the report stated.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • One August afternoon in 2023, Izzo was staying in the school with his brother, Hassan, who also served as a caretaker.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Raptors dared Mitchell to shoot early, with the former Raptors guard scoring the Heat’s first seven points and nine of the team’s first 12.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Buchanon mainly played guard at FIU, but can also play center, where’s taken most of his reps with TCU this spring.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Custodian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custodian. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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