1
as in custodian
a person or group that watches over someone or something
the state became his guardian when he was put into protective custody
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2
3
as in protector
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 caregiver
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 guardian
In their telling in 1982, the broken window wasn’t merely a small, fixable problem but a cue that the block in question had no steward, that the neighborhood had no guardian, that ordinary obligations of civility were no longer in play.
—
Elizabeth Glazer, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Furthermore, Leonora has recently died by suicide, leaving Peter as the boy’s new guardian.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 May 2026
Otherwise, the court will appoint a guardian in a likely costly process.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 14 May 2026
The run is free for children 12 and under, but they must be registered by a parent or guardian through the online system, or sign a waiver in person on Saturday.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for guardian
Elizabeth Glazer, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Furthermore, Leonora has recently died by suicide, leaving Peter as the boy’s new guardian.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 May 2026
Otherwise, the court will appoint a guardian in a likely costly process.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 14 May 2026
The run is free for children 12 and under, but they must be registered by a parent or guardian through the online system, or sign a waiver in person on Saturday.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for guardian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardian
Noun
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But most of her extended conversations on campus were either with the administrator, Val, or with the custodian, a man named Hank who liked to park himself in her office doorway and expostulate about the upcoming hunting season.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
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Now, agencies must weigh whether to adhere to federal dictates or comply with state transparency rules, with some directing records custodians and media spokespersons to acknowledge public records requests but not fulfill them unless ICE grants approval, records show.—
Monique O. Madan,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
Noun
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During this seasonal tour, guests can explore the grounds and keeper's house, as well as climb the 60 stairs to the top of the lighthouse tower.—
Jacqueline Dole,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
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An own-goal charged to Dash keeper Jane Campbell accounted for the Current’s final tally.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Noun
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His nanny was his fierce protector and insulated him from the depredations of Nazis and their enablers, baptizing him and teaching him to handily hurl anti-Jewish epithets to fit in.—
Ron Kampeas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
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Thanks to their historic ability to maintain value and even rise in price when market conditions deteriorate, both metals are considered worthwhile for those looking for a portfolio protector.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Noun
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There are several services available to the veteran and their caregiver.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
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The impact may extend beyond caregivers.—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
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The death of the guard was first reported by the New York Times, citing the Ahmed Shabaik, the mosque’s chairman.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
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Wembanyama took the ball from Stephon Castle and added to the guard’s assist total with a 27-foot three near the Oklahoma City logo to tie the game at 108 apiece with 27 seconds left.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Noun
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The juvenile bear’s wander across campus late Thursday and early Friday prompted an advisory to students and a search by UC Davis police and wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as Yolo County Animal Control.—
Allison Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
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The former warden is also accused of having accepted money to move Weekes out of solitary confinement.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Tari Eason is an excellent defender who plays with a ton of energy and can be dangerous when his shot is falling.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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On most plays, Division III defenders couldn’t even stay close.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Noun
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Rescuing utopian idyll from dystopian reality, Koreeda determines that humanity is too fragile to forfeit its defining qualities to a mechanical species; that our only viable function in an artificial tomorrow is as the eternal caretakers of memory and imagination.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
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Proctor was his primary caretaker while working full time as a nurse to make ends meet.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Guardian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guardian. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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