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
Relevance
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in caregiver
a person who has responsibility for the care of another
when her parents died, her aunt became her legal guardian
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 boy is in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services until his guardians can be found, officials said.
—
Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Feb. 2026
Nathan Muckey, the school’s principal, sent parents and guardians an email ahead of the walkout stressing that building and district staff would prioritize student safety in their response.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Still, child care slots remain in short supply across wide swaths of New Mexico, even as the state extends assistance beyond working parents to grandparent guardians, foster parents and people experiencing homelessness.
—Morgan Lee, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Parents, guardians and others can contribute up to $5,000 annually to Trump accounts until children turn 18 years old.
—Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,jessica Dickler, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guardian
Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 22 Feb. 2026
Nathan Muckey, the school’s principal, sent parents and guardians an email ahead of the walkout stressing that building and district staff would prioritize student safety in their response.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Still, child care slots remain in short supply across wide swaths of New Mexico, even as the state extends assistance beyond working parents to grandparent guardians, foster parents and people experiencing homelessness.
—Morgan Lee, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
Parents, guardians and others can contribute up to $5,000 annually to Trump accounts until children turn 18 years old.
—Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,jessica Dickler, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for guardian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardian
Noun
-
Winners will serve as island custodians, agreeing to basic stewardship responsibilities while enjoying peace, nature, and nearby local communities.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Feb. 2026
-
An ecosystem of auditors, third-party custodians, and compliance specialists.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Other record keepers are warming up to the private markets push, according to people familiar with their thinking.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Slightly spicy and spiked with dill, these Fried Deviled Eggs are a keeper.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Don’t forget to wash pillows and mattress protectors, too -- these can harbor dust and allergens.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Inside were dozens of plastic sheet protectors, each one containing an old, handwritten letter.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Every contribution stays within San Diego County, providing aid to local caregivers and families of those in need.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The legislation preserves mandatory exceptions included in last year’s proposal, allowing phones for medical needs, students learning English, those with individualized education programs and students who are primary caregivers for a family member.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Especially after reinserting Skyy Clark into a starting lineup, which, barring injuries, will feature three guards – including Dent and sophomore Trent Perry – the rest of the season.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Tempers flared in the second quarter when Cunningham was called for an offensive foul after extending his arms and knocking down Spurs guard Stephon Castle.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His father was the warden there, and Dominique was teased for it mercilessly at school.—
Gaby Wood,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2026
-
That number is in line with reporting from the Indiana Capital Chronicle, which interviewed the prison's warden, Brian English, during a tour of the detention center late last year.—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Lakers star then passed to a hustling Austin Reaves, who took a few dribbles to get a Kings defender to commit before making an alley-oop pass to James for a two-handed, rim-hanging dunk.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Dominguez had a great run through multiple defenders early in the second half but couldn’t connect with a teammate for a quality shot on goal.—
Justin Vigil Zuniga,
Daily News,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
After spending her childhood as a caretaker for her mentally unwell mother, Annie perseveres, getting to her third year of medical school before a mental breakdown forces her to withdraw.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Here, human caretakers will put them on a weight-gaining diet so they can be released in tip-top condition in a year.—
Shi En Kim,
AZCentral.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guardian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guardian. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
