custody

noun

ˈkə-stə-dē How to pronounce custody (audio)
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

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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 custody The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded to the scene and took custody of the body, pending further investigation, according to state police. — Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026 After Poindexter was cleared, he was taken into custody and transported to the Fulton County Jail. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 In the past few years, Ripple and Kraken have also launched custody businesses. — Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026 Video released by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office captures the nighttime escape, the pursuit through traffic and the moment deputies finally took Hirschfield into custody. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for custody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custody
  1. care
  2. guardianship
  3. custodianship
  4. control
  5. safekeeping
Noun
  • Those figures largely predate the state’s move to universal free child care, which began in November 2025 and is funded by an oil and gas windfall.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In a bucket hat and without a care in the world, Murray speaks kindly but candidly about making his buddy Coyne’s TV dream come true.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of care
Noun
  • One family notarized guardianship papers, in case the parents were detained and the children left behind.
    — Francesca D’Annunzio, ProPublica, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Hayden Panettiere‘s former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, was granted temporary guardianship of her estate on Friday, following the actor’s sudden death in August.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of guardianship
Noun
  • Weisbecker is not involved in the efforts but said her main concern was ensuring Indigenous people would have custodianship of the animal and that their input would help shape the thylacine’s de-extinction plans.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Venezuela’s oil production has jumped under Washington’s custodianship, though questions abound about where those profits, which were intended to help rebuild the country, have ended up.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of custodianship
Noun
  • Following a sloppy start Friday on the offensive end and an underwhelming start on the defensive end, the Heat flipped a switch midway through the second quarter to take complete control of the game.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The race is among a handful of Senate contests this year expected to determine control of the chamber.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • The clutch also boasts designer-worthy details, including a 100 percent premium nappa leather construction with a smooth, supple feel and a protective dust bag for safekeeping.
    — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Some objects were moved for safekeeping, although investigators haven’t linked those warnings to Tuesday’s incident.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of safekeeping

Browse Nearby Words

custodies
custody
custom
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Cite this Entry

“Custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custody. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on custody

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about custody

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