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

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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 Walter Boys centers on city teen Jackie (Nikki Rodriguez) relocating to a small town to live with her new guardians and family friends after losing her parents and sister in an accident. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 The law allows the Secretary of State's office to issue meter-exempt handicap placards to legal guardians who transport those with disabilities who can't drive themselves. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 In 2023, financial authorities revised guidelines to allow guardians to open accounts for their children remotely from their smartphones, without having to visit a branch. — Justina Lee,lisa Kim, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 Parents or guardians should bring a photo ID, a Social Security or medical card for each child, and proof of address, such as a recent bill or lease. — Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Aug. 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
  • Starting in 2011, the IRS required brokers and custodians to report cost-basis and holding-period information for stock and mutual fund investors on Form 1099-B.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Best for higher net-worth investors Augusta Precious Metals sells gold and silver directly, and also works with third-party custodians to manage your IRA.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of custodian
Noun
  • With more than 1,000 suggestions to chose from, here's the name keepers picked.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Canada keeper made eight saves as León had 10 shots on target.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of keeper
Noun
  • No two tales of what happened to Maelor after his knight protector was shot dead agree, but the young boy was also slain on the bridge, perhaps torn apart by the mob who assailed him, arguing over what to do with the young prince.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Blind side protector of Jayden Daniels could miss large part of season after suffering a torn triceps plus other takeaways from Week 2 of training camp.
    — Tashan Reed, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of protector
Noun
  • Parents and caregivers often feel pressure to pack the perfect lunch.
    — Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Unless the adult child caregiver is an executor or trustee of the estate, that child also will have to pay his or her own legal fees to defend against any accusations of stealing or poor medical choices, experts said.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of caregiver
Noun
  • Window has window guards, building super says The building superintendent later confirmed that the window in question on the fifth floor has window guards, which are safety devices for windows made to prevent children from falling out.
    — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • To punish and sustain Helaena, Rhaenyra has guards shovel lukewarm gruel down her throat.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of guard
Noun
  • Moses Seixas, warden of Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, presented an address welcoming President George Washington to the city.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Speculation continues about why the Westmoreland County Prison warden was placed on leave around the same time the prison went on lockdown.
    — Erika Stanish, CBS News, 29 July 2026
Definition of warden
Noun
  • That point was in doubt late as Bay defender Aldana Cometti’s hand hit the ball on a Tessa Dellarose shot in stoppage time, but it was not ruled a handball upon quick review and Bay didn’t have to face a penalty kick.
    — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Gameplay enhancements include deeper pre-snap options, smarter defenders, and an optional Catch Meter.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of defender
Noun
  • Aibel was among the caretakers who joined the more than 1,200-pound animals on their journey from Marineland.
    — Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Buss-Kincaid’s caretaker, who was not identified, told police Buss arrived at Buss-Kincaid’s home days before the shooting, Patch reported.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 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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