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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Recent Examples of guide word
The Standing Rock movement’s guiding words, Mni Wiconi (water is life) meant more than clean water advocacy.
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Natasha Lennard, Esquire, 19 Sep. 2017
Natasha Lennard, Esquire, 19 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guide word
Noun
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The Knicks are trying to win their first NBA title since 1973, while the Spurs last ruled the NBA in 2014.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
4 June 2026
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And again, Indiana might qualify as the least likely program to win a title in 35-40 years.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Another document details exactly how to create a Patriot Front banner – down to how to tie the knots affixing the canvas.—
Will Carless,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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As the ferry slowly pulled into the Ishigaki port on May 29, a group of people waved the Taiwan flag and brandished a banner to welcome the first batch of visitors.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guide word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guide%20word. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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