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.
Related Words
Relevance
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
Natasha Lennard, Esquire, 19 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guide word
Noun
-
Foremost for Nelson, a softball recruit for Columbia in New York, likely would be leading the Green Wave to a second straight regional title and advancing further than last year’s sectional semifinal.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Taft was seeking its eighth City title and first since winning Division II in 2019.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Tight ends had a banner weekend with 22 picked, the most since 2015, according to Sportradar, as the league’s trend of more multi-tight-end formations put a premium on the position.—
Josh Dubow,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Atlanta stadium covers logos on exterior Earlier this week, workers with the stadium scaled the exterior of the building to hang a massive FIFA banner over the Mercedes-Benz logo.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guide word.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guide%20word. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
