GUARDIANS Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

guardians

noun

plural of guardian

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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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

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

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as in caregivers

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 guardians In a statement Wednesday, police urged parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about safe touch and inappropriate adult behavior. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 30 July 2026 The pieces resonate with fellow Eaton fire survivors, some of whom embrace the whimsical figures as protective guardians and first artworks in new homes. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 per child per year. — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 27 July 2026 Parents or legal guardians open and manage the account, maintaining control until the child turns 18. — Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 Similar traditions appear elsewhere in East Asia, where dragons often serve as guardians, bringers of good fortune, or emblems of imperial authority. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 The Austrian government has said the best use for the building would be the presence of the police as guardians of civil liberties. — ABC News, 22 July 2026 Parents and guardians should have open and ongoing conversations, rather than one big conversation, according to Mann. — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026 The ride service may contact parents and guardians of riders with teen accounts as well. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardians

Noun

While custodians often calculate RMDs, taxpayers should verify these amounts, as errors can still lead to IRS penalties.

— Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Even a band like Opeth, unwavering custodians of 21st-century prog, hardly share much in common with other metal bands representing this style.

— Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026

Definition of custodians

Noun

The wallabies and kangaroos were introduced to their space in early May, and Disney gradually allowed more interaction with people, first with keepers and select cast members, then with the public, at a distance outside the fencing.

— Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2026
The best English ball-keepers were on the bench or had been left at home.

— The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of keepers

Noun

On today's episode of Tech Camp, co-hosts Emily Kwong and Regina Barber chase the rapid evolution of cybersecurity, which has led to an arms race between hackers and defenders.

— Emily Kwong, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
Lee said that tracks with Simmons’ ability to read coverages and anticipate where defenders are.

— Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of defenders

Noun

Even as America ages and families increasingly live far apart, older adults and their children have increasingly found that home caregivers or nursing homes are out of their budget.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
Seven of 10 adult child caregivers have taken a hit to their job or career to keep caring, and nearly 1 in 3 have raided or scaled back their own retirement savings, Bay Alarm Medical said.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of caregivers

Noun

However, last year’s team featured a nauseating number of guards, so these Bulls boast a crowded frontcourt and aren’t in dire need of Mathurin’s skill set.

— Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Currently, state law restricts open carry of firearms only in public buildings with security measures like metal detectors and guards.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of guards

Noun

Strong new work presents legacy musicians as active artists relevant to a new generation of listeners, rather than as caretakers of famous music libraries.

— David Deal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Birdie gets together with Povich’s son’s three dogs and the grounds’ caretakers’ three dogs.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Definition of caretakers

Noun

Linn said dogs were often seen in the Bronze Age and mythology as protectors, often guarding the house.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Six legs and a center support help create a stable foundation, while linen protectors cover the rail ends and floor-friendly glides help prevent scratches on hard floors.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026

Definition of protectors

Noun

The encounter fortunately ended without anyone being injured, but Parks Canada wardens were able to identify the hikers after the video was posted online and racked up millions of views.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
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