1
as in custodians
a person or group that watches over someone or something
the state became his guardian when he was put into protective custody
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in keepers
a person who takes care of a property sometimes for an absent owner
the guardians of the summer estate awaited the return of the tycoon
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in defenders
someone that protects
the editor defended his newspaper's unrelenting exposure of government corruption, arguing that it is journalism's role to act as a guardian of democracy
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in caregivers
a person who has responsibility for the care of another
when her parents died, her aunt became her legal guardian
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of guardians
Police urged parents and guardians to speak with their students about any potential interaction with Faulkner and to relay information to the Wauconda Police Department Investigations Division at (847) 865-0399.
—
Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
None of the minors were taken into custody as officers attempted to notify their guardians, according to police.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Polis’ attorneys said Tuesday that the governor essentially trusted an ICE agent’s word that the agency wanted the information for a criminal probe, rather than so that ICE could arrest and deport immigrant children or their guardians, as the groups suing Polis have alleged.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
If Floridians register as a minor, their parents or legal guardians have the authority to make the final decision.
—Bruce Staley, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Answer too quickly and risk revealing biases best left unsaid, these neighborhood guardians are perhaps too slow to learn.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
Three other students were released to adult guardians, and the remaining two students were taken on another bus to Amity Elementary, the district said.
—Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2026
The Air Force set a goal of 32,750 active duty airmen this year, while the Space Force aimed to bring in 730 guardians.
—Steven Beynon, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
If one or both parents or guardians can't be present, additional documentation showing their consent is required.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
None of the minors were taken into custody as officers attempted to notify their guardians, according to police.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Polis’ attorneys said Tuesday that the governor essentially trusted an ICE agent’s word that the agency wanted the information for a criminal probe, rather than so that ICE could arrest and deport immigrant children or their guardians, as the groups suing Polis have alleged.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
If Floridians register as a minor, their parents or legal guardians have the authority to make the final decision.
—Bruce Staley, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Answer too quickly and risk revealing biases best left unsaid, these neighborhood guardians are perhaps too slow to learn.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
Three other students were released to adult guardians, and the remaining two students were taken on another bus to Amity Elementary, the district said.
—Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2026
The Air Force set a goal of 32,750 active duty airmen this year, while the Space Force aimed to bring in 730 guardians.
—Steven Beynon, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
If one or both parents or guardians can't be present, additional documentation showing their consent is required.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardians
Noun
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The midcentury abode was transferred to custodians of the McCann Trust that holds the property in 2022 and, after hitting the market April 10 for nearly $3 million, a contingent offer for its sale has already been accepted.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
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Animal care specialists, groundskeepers, patrol officers, seasonals, aides, and custodians represented by Teamsters Local 727 are seeking pay increases and minimum staffing guarantees from the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the zoo.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Early record keepers captured the story of each game in 9×9 grids.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
24 Apr. 2026
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This is the eternal dilemma for managers who knowingly choose to use their back-up keepers in the cup.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At 6-9, 325, Burke is a massive player who looks to overwhelm defenders on every snap.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Dallas dominated the first seven minutes of the middle frame, outshooting the Wild 9-0 and hemming the Minnesota defenders into their own zone for several shifts.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That base is comprised of 1,007 workers, 1,045 retirees and an oversample of 492 caregivers.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
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Since then, the daycare owner and child care educator has spent more than two decades training teachers and caregivers to infuse children with a sense of joy and appreciation for Black culture.—
Darcel Rockett,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Kennard, Smart fined Kennard and Smart were fined by the NBA for inappropriate conduct toward game officials, the league announced Monday, after the Lakers guards were involved in a postgame dust-up near midcourt on Sunday.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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Categories covered by this author include home warranty, gutter guards, pest control, mattresses, roofing, car warranty, home insurance, car insurance, weight loss and hair loss.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Now, after decades at Franklin Park Zoo, his chapter in the city is coming to a close — but for a purpose his caretakers say matters deeply.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
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The pups are hitting every developmental benchmark their caretakers are watching for, according to the zoo.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Since floors like vinyl are prone to scratching, Stein always recommends adding furniture protectors to the bottom of your furniture.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2026
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Stripping and washing all bedding — including duvet covers, mattress protectors and pillow shams — is one of the most impactful tasks on any spring cleaning list.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The state wardens and other cops who knew and worked with Bob Markle weren’t just honoring his memory by attending his funeral.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
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Armas said the prison wardens never switched off the lights.—
Manuel Rueda,
NPR,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guardians.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guardians. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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