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

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 Whether or not Pennsylvania’s bell-to-bell ban bill becomes law, parents and guardians remain central to helping children develop healthy phone habits and communication skills. — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026 Police charged nine minors with curfew violations and 10 parents and guardians for contributing. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026 All of these titles were chosen based on parental and guardians’ reports of the subjects’ favorite programs. — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 At seven months old, Foxx’s grandparents, Estelle and Mark Talley, took in Foxx and became his primary guardians. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026 For foster children, states would be opening their accounts as legal guardians. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 10 July 2026 Some child daycare programs can be exempt from licensing if parents and guardians are on the same premises and if they are not operated on certain sites, including malls or ski facilities. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 9 July 2026 The department also warned that minors are not exempt from prosecution and said parents or guardians may be held legally or financially responsible for damage caused by their children. — Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 9 July 2026 This dynamic makes figures such as MrBeast and TheBurntPeanut the guardians of American culture. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardians

Noun

American Alternative Assets works with several custodians — including Equity Trust, STRATA Trust, Kingdom Trust, GoldStar Trust and Madison Trust — each with its own fee schedule.

— Javier Simon, USA Today, 16 July 2026
The union represents over 250,000 classified public school employees, like bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, para-educators, clerical staff and campus security guards.

— Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 15 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

The government and its private sector partners who are eager to onboard as many new little customers as possible have at least taken the opportunity to try to remedy the lack of basic financial education among American children and their caregivers.

— Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
In addition to the transportation delivering care on time, caregivers were also happy with the provided transportation.

— Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026

Definition of caregivers

Noun

Cots, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizing tablets, and bed guards are offered, as well as babysitting services, swimming lessons, complimentary non-motorized water sports, and blended baby food especially prepared by the chef.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
On Saturday, Reeve commended the team’s centers but found the guards struggling to make anything work on the defensive end.

— Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026

Definition of guards

Noun

The lingering air pollution has proved to be a challenge for some caretakers to care for their stock.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
At the end of those 72 hours, Hailey (Levesque) has to relocate for her mom’s job, leaving best friend Claire with her grandparents, who became her caretakers after her parents died at sea.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026

Definition of caretakers

Noun

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
Exceptions include their use by police officers or animal wardens in an official capacity, at an archery club or paintball gun club, at a public or private range designed for that purpose, or to protect human life or property.

— Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026