1
as in custodians
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 keepers
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in defenders
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 caregivers
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
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Recent Examples of guardians
There are exemptions for certain groups, such as parents or guardians of children under age 14 and those with disabilities.
—
Bymary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Investigators urged parents and guardians to speak with their children about any interactions with Willer and to contact law enforcement with information.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
According to investigators, the weeklong operation targeted individuals who used social media and other online platforms to communicate with undercover detectives posing as minors or guardians of minors.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
The actual care services would be paid by parents or guardians.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
For those underage, parents and guardians can be cited.
—Chilekasi Adele, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Police urged parents and guardians to speak with their students about any potential interaction with Faulkner and to relay information to the Wauconda Police Department Investigations Division at (847) 865-0399.
—Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Polis’ attorneys said Tuesday that the governor essentially trusted an ICE agent’s word that the agency wanted the information for a criminal probe, rather than so that ICE could arrest and deport immigrant children or their guardians, as the groups suing Polis have alleged.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
If Floridians register as a minor, their parents or legal guardians have the authority to make the final decision.
—Bruce Staley, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Bymary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Investigators urged parents and guardians to speak with their children about any interactions with Willer and to contact law enforcement with information.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
According to investigators, the weeklong operation targeted individuals who used social media and other online platforms to communicate with undercover detectives posing as minors or guardians of minors.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
The actual care services would be paid by parents or guardians.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
For those underage, parents and guardians can be cited.
—Chilekasi Adele, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Police urged parents and guardians to speak with their students about any potential interaction with Faulkner and to relay information to the Wauconda Police Department Investigations Division at (847) 865-0399.
—Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Polis’ attorneys said Tuesday that the governor essentially trusted an ICE agent’s word that the agency wanted the information for a criminal probe, rather than so that ICE could arrest and deport immigrant children or their guardians, as the groups suing Polis have alleged.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
If Floridians register as a minor, their parents or legal guardians have the authority to make the final decision.
—Bruce Staley, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardians
Noun
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The midcentury abode was transferred to custodians of the McCann Trust that holds the property in 2022 and, after hitting the market April 10 for nearly $3 million, a contingent offer for its sale has already been accepted.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
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Animal care specialists, groundskeepers, patrol officers, seasonals, aides, and custodians represented by Teamsters Local 727 are seeking pay increases and minimum staffing guarantees from the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the zoo.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Early record keepers captured the story of each game in 9×9 grids.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
24 Apr. 2026
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This is the eternal dilemma for managers who knowingly choose to use their back-up keepers in the cup.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Embiid’s aggressiveness early — along with Tyrese Maxey’s speed and ability to put defenders in bad positions — put the Knicks in unfavorable foul trouble early.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
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Brown was called for 10 offensive fouls — most of them push-offs against Philadelphia 76ers defenders — in the Celtics’ seven-game first-round series, which ended Saturday with a 109-100 loss at TD Garden.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
4 May 2026
Noun
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That base is comprised of 1,007 workers, 1,045 retirees and an oversample of 492 caregivers.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
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Since then, the daycare owner and child care educator has spent more than two decades training teachers and caregivers to infuse children with a sense of joy and appreciation for Black culture.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Kennard, Smart fined Kennard and Smart were fined by the NBA for inappropriate conduct toward game officials, the league announced Monday, after the Lakers guards were involved in a postgame dust-up near midcourt on Sunday.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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Categories covered by this author include home warranty, gutter guards, pest control, mattresses, roofing, car warranty, home insurance, car insurance, weight loss and hair loss.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Now, after decades at Franklin Park Zoo, his chapter in the city is coming to a close — but for a purpose his caretakers say matters deeply.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
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The pups are hitting every developmental benchmark their caretakers are watching for, according to the zoo.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Blue Jays added one of the best rim protectors in the Big East in former Providence center Oswin Erhunmwunse, as well as guards Wes Enis from USF, BJ Davis from San Diego State and Kayden Edwards from TCU.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
2 May 2026
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The triumvirate of protectors got Romans into testing that proved his IQ was off the charts and found programs that helped his mother learn how to navigate his needs.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Noun
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The state wardens and other cops who knew and worked with Bob Markle weren’t just honoring his memory by attending his funeral.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
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Armas said the prison wardens never switched off the lights.—
Manuel Rueda,
NPR,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guardians.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guardians. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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