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

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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 The companies best positioned for this next phase of adoption will be the ones best integrating human-in and human-on the loop systems in tandem with agentic guardians—the ones who can explain, demonstrate and document their processes effectively. — Larry Bradley, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 An unusual search is underway in Charlotte for the guardians of a 15-year-old who says he was abandoned at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026 Walter Boys centers on city teen Jackie (Nikki Rodriguez) relocating to a small town to live with her new guardians and family friends after losing her parents and sister in an accident. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026 The time frame allows the project's stewards and visitors to contemplate not only Cage's legacy but their own as guardians of the organ and its sounds. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 The government has been required by law for decades to protect migrant children who are in the country illegally without guardians, over fears they could be exploited, abused or trafficked. — Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026 Parents or guardians should bring a photo ID, a Social Security or medical card for each child, and proof of address, such as a recent bill or lease. — Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Aug. 2026 State and local prosecutors would be able to sue chatbot operators for violating the measures, as well as parents or guardians of children who are harmed by companies that don’t follow them. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026 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

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 exhibition highlights artworks and historical artifacts donated to the museum, celebrating the generosity of regional artists, collectors and keepers of history.

— Debby Rice, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
Contrary to a popular myth, bees are indifferent to their keepers.

— Richard Schiffman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 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

The Jets drafted Armand Membou to be one of their quarterback’s protectors.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
This $10 option comes with three privacy glass screen protectors that will shield your screen from damage and prying eyes at the same time.

— Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 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