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.
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Example Sentences
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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
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Recall the close calls in the playoffs, a pair of three-point victories against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 49ers in the divisional round and NFC title game?—
Mirjam Swanson The Orange County Register,
Arkansas Online,
22 Jan. 2026
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Harlequin announced that 650,000 copies of the books sold as of December, and currently three titles from the series are on the New York Times Paperback Trade Fiction bestseller list.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Starboard doubles down on brand partnerships Starboard’s 2026 strategy falls within the summit’s banner—Unleash the Potential—with messaging along the broad themes of celebration, education, and inspiration.—
Kevin Rozario,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Pic is produced by Earth Mama producer Shirley O’Connor and Emily Gotto under the UK banner Pilea Pictures, and co-produced by Wendy Griffin.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guide word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guide%20word. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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