guardian

noun

ˈgär-dē-ən How to pronounce guardian (audio)
Definition of guardiannext
1
as in custodian
a person or group that watches over someone or something the state became his guardian when he was put into protective custody

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in keeper
a person who takes care of a property sometimes for an absent owner the guardians of the summer estate awaited the return of the tycoon

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3
as in protector
someone that protects the editor defended his newspaper's unrelenting exposure of government corruption, arguing that it is journalism's role to act as a guardian of democracy

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4
as in caregiver
a person who has responsibility for the care of another when her parents died, her aunt became her legal guardian

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 guardian The club’s website says a parent or guardian has to be on-site during a reservation. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 9 July 2026 The department also warned that minors are not exempt from prosecution and said parents or guardians may be held legally or financially responsible for damage caused by their children. — Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 9 July 2026 More info Tickets for the event are $100 (includes admission for one parent/guardian and one child; $50 for each additional family member). — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026 Police may hold them in the Youth Connection Center until a parent or guardian picks them up. — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for guardian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardian
  1. custodian
  2. keeper
  3. protector
  4. caregiver
  5. guard
  6. warden
  7. defender
  8. caretaker
Noun
  • Assets in a custodial account may be considered the child's, even though a parent or other adult serves as the custodian.
    — Elizabeth Gravier,Dan Avery, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • The union represents over 250,000 classified public school employees, like bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, para-educators, clerical staff and campus security guards.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
Definition of custodian
Noun
  • The critical moment took place before that, when the taker didn’t accurately perceive or interpret the movements of the ’keeper.
    — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • But the White Sox drafted a keeper that year in Hall of Famer Harold Baines.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Definition of keeper
Noun
  • The Wolves have one of the NBA’s best rim protectors (Rudy Gobert).
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Several times each year, His Holiness requests guidance from Kuten La, who in his role as State Oracle serves as mouthpiece for Nechung, an ancient deity and Tibet’s spiritual protector.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of protector
Noun
  • Long-term care industry leaders say caregivers with the necessary skills cannot be retained for the wages companies are willing to pay.
    — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026
  • Venus, our planet of harmony, ventures into the fields of Virgo from July 9 until August 6, and this is a time to be nurturing caregivers in our relationships.
    — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of caregiver
Noun
  • Former Houston standout guard Kingston Flemings hit a deep jumper — his toe was ruled on the 3-point line — with three seconds left in OT, slicing Utah’s lead to one, 100-99.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026
  • Tempers flared late in the fourth quarter when Kings center Dylan Cardwell and Nets guard Egor Demin wrestled for a loose ball.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of guard
Noun
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — Game wardens, rescue boat teams and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 14 July 2026
  • Exceptions include their use by police officers or animal wardens in an official capacity, at an archery club or paintball gun club, at a public or private range designed for that purpose, or to protect human life or property.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
Definition of warden
Noun
  • Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup chipped the ball toward the goal from the left side, and Haaland leaped, swung his neck and headed it into the net, outjumping Brazil’s 6-foot-3 defender Gabriel Magalhães, his Premier League nemesis.
    — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
  • Before Mbappe scored his penalty, Gustavo Velazquez, the Paraguayan defender, scuffed the penalty spot, another underhanded attempt to disturb the tournament favourites.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of defender
Noun
  • The lingering air pollution has proved to be a challenge for some caretakers to care for their stock.
    — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
  • He was trusted with the most intimate emotional labor in his family; trusted to be the caretaker, the one who looked out.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Definition of caretaker

Phrases Containing guardian

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guardhouses
guardian
guardian angel
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Cite this Entry

“Guardian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guardian. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on guardian

Nglish: Translation of guardian for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about guardian

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