as in title
either one of the words that are at the top of a page in a dictionary or similar book and that show the first and last words on the page
It is easiest to use the guide words to find the page for the word you are looking up.
Related Words
Relevance
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 guide word
The Standing Rock movement’s guiding words, Mni Wiconi (water is life) meant more than clean water advocacy.
—
Natasha Lennard, Esquire, 19 Sep. 2017
Natasha Lennard, Esquire, 19 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guide word
Noun
-
By July that year, Kelly, this time playing for England, famously scored that penalty against Spain in the Euros final, securing the Lionesses their second Euros title in a row.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The title game didn’t disappoint in that regard.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These signups and banner ads aren’t typically blocked by standard pop-up blockers.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The President’s unpopularity looks increasingly likely to cost the Party in November, but, so far, Republicans in these races are still running under the MAGA banner.—
Ian Crouch,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guide word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guide%20word. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
