sentinel

noun

ˈsent-nəl How to pronounce sentinel (audio)
Definition of sentinelnext
as in guardian
a person or group that watches over someone or something a lone sentinel kept watch over the fort

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 sentinel Dozens of health organizations and research groups have formed an independent surveillance network to track the presence of dangerous pathogens in community wastewater—a sentinel for potential outbreaks. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 Of all of them, the sentinel suites are undoubtedly one of my favorite places in the world. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Corkie putting the snake into the tub looks like the sentinels or the wire going into people’s pods. — Nick Newman, IndieWire, 1 June 2026 And for decades, billboards with Smart’s smiling face stood like sentinels along Highway 101, silently urging anyone with information to come forward. — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentinel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sentinel
  1. guardian
  2. guard
  3. custodian
  4. warden
  5. keeper
  6. sentry
Noun
  • The doc would soon be marred with legal issues as Williams’ guardian argued the network exploited Williams.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Upon their father’s death, Lindsey became Darline’s legal guardian.
    — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of guardian
Noun
  • How can anyone dare to let their guard down and risk being hurt once again?
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Rookie Carver Willis got first-team reps at right guard, and Jordan James saw action with the second team after missing time with a rib injury.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of guard
Noun
  • More from this past week • A transgender woman who works as a custodian at the University of Kansas was reported for using the wrong restroom under a new state law.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Zuckerberg is referencing OpenAI and Anthropic, which operate on the premise that hyper-smart AI is both inevitable and apocalyptic—and therefore safe only in the hands of the wisest custodians (themselves).
    — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of custodian
Noun
  • There is no word on when the search for a new warden will commence.
    — Christopher DeRose, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • But to Bill Donnelly, the service’s warden, New Jersey’s fire season, like North America’s, can feel unending.
    — Robert Sullivan, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of warden
Noun
  • On the Duke’s side, Joely Richardson is back as Eddie’s mother Lady Sabrina, Daniel Ings as disinherited older brother Freddy, Jasmine Blackborow as sister Charly and Vinnie Jones as Geoff, keeper of the grounds – and family secrets.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Morché is the first keeper in club history to record a clean sheet in her debut.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of keeper
Noun
  • In humans, traits such as neuroticism and recklessness appear to have some evolutionary basis—emerging perhaps to provide our species with sentries who alerted us to threats, and with explorers who led the way to new food sources.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • From Newt's family making first contact with a Facehugger to a wonderfully tense sentry gun sequence, Cameron's extra footage enhances a classic.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of sentry

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sentiments
sentinel
sentinels
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Cite this Entry

“Sentinel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sentinel. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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