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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of guardians
Before infants were enrolled in the AL16 study, their parents or guardians had to sign consent forms disclosing, among other things, the risks that clinical trial subjects would face.
—
David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Other exceptions include an allowance for coaches to enter during athletic events, or for parents or guardians to accompany a child or family member who needs assistance.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026
Are these mountains of fire the voice of a wounded land, or the guardians of a history still seeking justice?
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026
The permission letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the legal guardians can be reached.
—Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Parents and guardians can request women drivers for teen riders.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
The roughly 93-square-mile base houses the 49th Wing, which supports national security work and includes combat-ready airmen and guardians, according to its website.
—CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
One of Cecilia’s first acts on arriving in London, for example—much to the displeasure and astonishment of her guardians—is to procure books.
—Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
The best thing parents and guardians can do to avoid these exposures is to lock these substances away and have discussions about the risks of using drugs like nicotine and cannabis, Campbell said.
—Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 13 Mar. 2026
David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Other exceptions include an allowance for coaches to enter during athletic events, or for parents or guardians to accompany a child or family member who needs assistance.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026
Are these mountains of fire the voice of a wounded land, or the guardians of a history still seeking justice?
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026
The permission letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the legal guardians can be reached.
—Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Parents and guardians can request women drivers for teen riders.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
The roughly 93-square-mile base houses the 49th Wing, which supports national security work and includes combat-ready airmen and guardians, according to its website.
—CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
One of Cecilia’s first acts on arriving in London, for example—much to the displeasure and astonishment of her guardians—is to procure books.
—Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
The best thing parents and guardians can do to avoid these exposures is to lock these substances away and have discussions about the risks of using drugs like nicotine and cannabis, Campbell said.
—Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardians
Noun
-
Athletic coaches, people responding to emergencies, people supervising inmates, custodians, and people helping children who need bathroom assistance get a pass.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Markups apply to the metals themselves, while IRA fees cover account setup, administration and storage through third-party custodians and depositories.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Raised by Samburu keepers who act as surrogate parents, these elephants are nurtured back to health and prepared for life in the wild.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The zoo asks that no one approach her directly — only her keepers should make contact.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With the Heat continuing to play small, Siakam was able to shoot over smaller defenders, including an easy jumper over Davion Mitchell, who’s eight inches shorter at an even six feet.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
-
With key Pistons defenders like Ausar Thompson (ankle), Cade Cunningham (lung), and Isaiah Stewart (calf) sidelined or doubtful, Gilgeous-Alexander has a prime opportunity to exploit the matchup.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
When caregivers there left a suicidal resident hanging by the neck from his room’s sprinkler system without giving the man immediate aid, Florida’s healthcare watchdog agency took the uncommon action of asking a judge to shut down Villa Rosa IV.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Already, 1 in 4 adults are caregivers, and nearly 30 percent of caregivers are part of the sandwich generation supporting both young children and aging parents.—
Wendy R. Anderson,
Washington Post,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Consider installing gutter guards or screens, which help block debris from entering while still allowing water through.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
-
For homeowners who want to minimize ongoing gutter work, guards represent a practical investment.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Lamont administration has also argued that the program actually creates a burden for some enrollees, who are responsible for recruiting their own caretakers and may find that overwhelming.—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The new owners see themselves as caretakers.—
Abby Dodge,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Preservation Chicago and Landmarks Illinois remain invaluable protectors of our architectural heritage.—
Jennifer N. Pritzker,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Old bed sheets are the perfect textile protectors, keeping your couch looking and smelling fresh for longer.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
13 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 2026.
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