janitors

noun

plural of janitor
1
as in custodians
a person who takes care of a property sometimes for an absent owner got a job as the night janitor at the elementary school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in porters
a person who tends a door according to popular Christian tradition, St. Peter acts as janitor at heaven's pearly gates

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 janitors Landon built relationships with the janitors and grounds crew, always stopping to chat. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 10 July 2026 Some hospital staff, like janitors and cafeteria workers, still make minimum wage. — Cassie McGrath, Fortune, 19 June 2026 Twice a month, students, janitors, security guards and other school staff can come get a full bag of produce. — Chris Wragge, CBS News, 12 June 2026 In 1952, the Sherskys closed Three Feathers and Q was left roaming Knoxville, selling to schoolteachers, promoters, and even janitors. — Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 1 June 2026 While teachers unions have gotten the most attention, the law also affects many other public sector unions, including those that represent bus drivers, janitors, cafeteria workers and maintenance workers. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2026 Participants included janitors, security officers, airport workers and stadium employees affiliated with SEIU-United Service Workers West, along with a coalition of labor unions, civil rights organizations, immigrant advocacy groups and faith leaders. — City News Service, Daily News, 1 May 2026 Many Japanese elementary schools don’t have janitors, so the clean-up work is left to students. — Stephen Wade, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 The former series brought aliens to Earth; the latter followed two janitors accidentally launched into space. — Carmel Dagan, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for janitors
  1. custodians
  2. porters
  3. keepers
  4. wardens
  5. caretakers
Noun
  • While custodians often calculate RMDs, taxpayers should verify these amounts, as errors can still lead to IRS penalties.
    — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Even a band like Opeth, unwavering custodians of 21st-century prog, hardly share much in common with other metal bands representing this style.
    — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
Definition of custodians
Noun
  • Most of the early craft beers were ales, like pale ales, IPAs, porters and stouts.
    — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • There are so many people here, from chefs to line cooks to hosts, porters, and servers, working to make excellent food and special experiences that give us all a break from reality for a while.
    — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 2 July 2026
Definition of porters
Noun
  • The exhibition highlights artworks and historical artifacts donated to the museum, celebrating the generosity of regional artists, collectors and keepers of history.
    — Debby Rice, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
  • Contrary to a popular myth, bees are indifferent to their keepers.
    — Richard Schiffman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026
Definition of keepers
Noun
  • The encounter fortunately ended without anyone being injured, but Parks Canada wardens were able to identify the hikers after the video was posted online and racked up millions of views.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — Game wardens, rescue boat teams and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 14 July 2026
Definition of wardens
Noun
  • Strong new work presents legacy musicians as active artists relevant to a new generation of listeners, rather than as caretakers of famous music libraries.
    — David Deal, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Birdie gets together with Povich’s son’s three dogs and the grounds’ caretakers’ three dogs.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of caretakers

Browse Nearby Words

janitor
janitors
Janus-faced
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Cite this Entry

“Janitors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/janitors. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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