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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But despite speculation in South Korea about her potential grooming as a successor, no new official titles were announced as the once-in-five-years ruling party congress wrapped.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
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In their new lawsuit, Mamás de DPS accuses the district of using a nonprofit called Denver School Facilities Leasing Corporation to obtain titles and mortgages for 33 school buildings.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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An earlier version, which was dated May 22, 2024, appeared on the Yosemite website as recently as May 1 of last year, and did not include regulations related to banners or flags.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
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Inside Toyota Stadium, the large soccer tifo banner appeared, rolled out and held up by fans after the national anthem, a nod of encouragement for the team’s coach, Eric Quill.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guide word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guide%20word. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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