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 Parents or legal guardians can enroll eligible children under 18, while adults, including former students, can enroll themselves. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 How can parents and guardians prepare their children — and themselves — in the days leading up to the time change? — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 Play as an ordinary fox who meets a spirit guardian and ends up on the adventure of a lifetime. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Parents or guardians of minors could be held responsible for administrative penalties, but could not be held criminally responsible. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 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
  • The California State University system reached a tentative agreement with the CSU Employees Union, which represents about 14,500 staff including custodians, nurses and IT specialists.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Two days later, the custodian provided nine documents and forwarded 11 emails from the city clerk.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of custodian
Noun
  • That ended a 144-minute scoreless streak for Angel City keeper Angelina Anderson.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Texas State scored a touchdown on all three of its drives that ended in the quarter, including a 67-yard touchdown pass and a 35-yard keeper from Bobcats QB Brad Jackson.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of keeper
Noun
  • Claxton is a true rim protector who can deter and affect shot-making around the rim.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Sultan-Epe is revered as a protector of seafarers and fishermen—a fitting association for a shrine overlooking the Caspian.
    — Avantika Chaturvedi, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of protector
Noun
  • Cody Petterson, a board trustee with the SDUSD, told ABC News the uncle was designated on school records as an authorized caregiver.
    — Laura Romero, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Ontario Health atHome, for instance, helps seniors to age in place and also has a caregiver support page.
    — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of caregiver
Noun
  • The former Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley recently pleaded guilty to manipulating his prop bets.
    — New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026
  • He was shot during the police chase and is under constant police guard, but has not yet been formally detained because of his medical condition, law enforcement said.
    — Dragana Jovanovic, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of guard
Noun
  • Clark, the warden said, later called and said Castro didn’t have a weapon.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Wasson, by contrast, kicks off by quoting three letters from prisoners in San Quentin, from 1947, addressed to the warden.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of warden
Noun
  • Aaron Donald, a three-time NFL defensive player of the year, came out of retirement to play with Garrett after the Rams acquired the elite defender.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Segura's first goal of the season came with assists from defender Ryan Porteous — the second of his career — and Leo Walta — his first in his fifth league appearance.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of defender
Noun
  • Until a coalition is formed, Netanyahu, who has served 19 years over three tenures as prime minister, remains the head of a caretaker government.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Eudora and Alice were both caretakers for their families, which would interrupt their writing at different times in their lives, and their correspondence would often lament such things.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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