Definition of custodynext
as in care
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something the government department having custody of all official state gifts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 custody No one was in custody for the fatal attack, and detectives were investigating. Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 She was taken into custody without incident and booked on suspicion of felony arson. City News Service, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 Ledet initiated wellness checks on Lofton, but he was never taken into custody or required to seek treatment until his 2025 arrest. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026 Homicide detectives said the suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday at her home in Baltimore County, a day after the shooting that left 43-year-old Garreth Parks Jr. dead. Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for custody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custody
Noun
  • Prosecutors said the court issued an order preventing him from owning, possessing or having any animals in his care or custody.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Noah James, who plays Andrew, and Vanessa Benavente, who plays Mother Mary, both said the crew takes great care in making sure everything looks and feels authentic.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Reporters reviewed guardianship, probate and other court documents, corporate filings and real estate records.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Last year, 44 children in foster care were reunited with a parent and 29 went into guardianship with relatives, Happney said.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Still, Washington’s custodianship has loosened the grip of hardliners.
    Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Regular audits, transparent reporting and strong custodianship build long-term investor confidence.
    Charles Morey, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Akhbar Enfejari described themselves as Iranians producing and uploading from within Iran in an effort to disrupt decades-long dominance of Western control of the airwaves.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Pro Tip: Keep sentimental items in a memory box for safekeeping.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Unlike stocks or bonds that exist primarily as assets in a brokerage account, buying and owning physical gold requires real-world decisions about storage, security and safekeeping.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custody. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on custody

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster