guide word

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

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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guide word
Noun
  • The title theme’s steadily ascending line, mirroring the claustrophobic tension within the sub, became a signature motif.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Those ports can be used to play additional titles and, with the right adapter, to connect original Intellivision controllers.
    Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • At a meeting last month, after hearing from residents, city commissioners set aside the flag-raising idea and instead agreed to display a more neutral banner honoring all victims of the war, to light up City Hall and to hold an interfaith vigil.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Award-winning Nigerian actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington (The Wedding Party) will lead the cast as the voice of Malika and serves as Executive Producer, alongside Impact X Studios’ Erica Motley and Okupe via his YouNeek Studios banner.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Guide word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guide%20word. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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