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
In 2016, the Mans petitioned to become Natalia’s legal guardians; however, a hearing was required to determine whether Natalia was a minor or a legal adult.
—
Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
The shop also mentors and trains locals to be guides and guardians of their backyard coastline.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
After the assault, the male left through the window, and the teen told her guardians.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2025
Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his book shop, The Book Keep, where a book a day keeps the bombs away.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025
Before enrolling their child in a K-12 school, parents and guardians might look for the best-performing options using Wisconsin's online school and district report cards.
—Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The rest rely on parents or guardians.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Leaders who grasp this framework will see themselves not just as managers of tasks but as architects of signals, stewards of patterns, cultivators of pathways, and guardians of heuristics.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Guatemalan children who arrived at the border without their parents or guardians will stay for at least two weeks while the legal fight unfolds, according to the ruling.
—Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2025
Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
The shop also mentors and trains locals to be guides and guardians of their backyard coastline.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
After the assault, the male left through the window, and the teen told her guardians.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2025
Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his book shop, The Book Keep, where a book a day keeps the bombs away.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025
Before enrolling their child in a K-12 school, parents and guardians might look for the best-performing options using Wisconsin's online school and district report cards.
—Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025
The rest rely on parents or guardians.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Leaders who grasp this framework will see themselves not just as managers of tasks but as architects of signals, stewards of patterns, cultivators of pathways, and guardians of heuristics.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Guatemalan children who arrived at the border without their parents or guardians will stay for at least two weeks while the legal fight unfolds, according to the ruling.
—Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardians
Noun
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Two centuries ago, the Litunga (king) turned what had been his private hunting grounds over to his people as custodians.—
Mazuba Kapambwe,
AFAR Media,
10 Sep. 2025
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From ETFs pulling in tens of billions to companies adding bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to their balance sheets, demand for trusted custodians is set to accelerate.—
Marie Poteriaieva,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Are the club following any ‘keepers?—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
-
But first, the top of the rock had to be blasted to make room for the lighthouse keepers’ houses, since there was barely any flat space on the summit (only between 10 and 12 feet).—
A.K. Whitney,
Oc Register,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Now, with some help from the defenders behind them, Cleveland’s pitchers have paved the way for a last-gasp run at a playoff spot.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The city has become a fortress, and Ukrainian defenders are doing everything possible to prevent it from falling.—
David Kirichenko,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Understanding how people's bodies react to baby cries could one day help identify caregivers most attuned to infant needs, or even assist new parents in better interpreting what their child is trying to communicate.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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From children and adults with disabilities to caregivers, teachers and therapists, accessible toys present a smart, scalable opportunity for a massive, underserved market.—
Kendra Davenport,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Bolsonaro is under house arrest, surrounded by guards to prevent him from fleeing to a foreign embassy to request asylum.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
10 Sep. 2025
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The latter option is particularly tantalizing because both guards offer valuable skills that could help a playoff hopeful be even more formidable in 2025-26.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Some researchers argue that this background sense of trust is developed in childhood as a person interacts with caretakers.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Still, wildlife advocates, caretakers and scientists remain optimistic about the future.—
John Leos,
AZCentral.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The nonprofit has served more than 1,000 Indigenous youths from 20 endangered rivers, with a goal to inspire them to become the next generation of water and river protectors.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
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Last season, right guard Mike Onwenu and right tackle Morgan Moses graded out positively at Pro Football Focus, while Campbell and Wilson were in college, and Garrett Bradbury ranked among the NFL’s worst pass-protectors among all centers.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Game wardens responded to the scene and fatally shot the animal, officials said.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
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As for the bear, two wardens with AGFC responded to the scene and found the animal still in the area.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guardians.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guardians. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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