guardians

plural of guardian
1
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

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 guardians This winning series captures a row of poplar trees planted along the banks of the River Po in Italy, which are natural guardians against flooding, now standing immersed in perfectly still water beneath soft, diffused light. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 After July 4, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can also contribute up to $5,000 a year. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 2 July 2026 Parents and legal guardians must provide evidence of their five-year residency when purchasing licenses on behalf of a child under age 15, as well as the child’s birth certificate. Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026 But over time, and as reverence for the Revolutionary War generation grew, the political parties sought to prove themselves the truest guardians of the founding principles, transforming it from an argument for independence into a sacred document. Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 1 July 2026 In May of last year, according to Heather and Cayden, Robert’s guardians kicked him and his younger sibling out of their home. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 The irony is that in not trying to pass muster with more conservative theatergoers (and their fastidious institutional guardians), playwrights have been winning over not just critics but also formerly squeamish artistic directors and perennially nervous Broadway producers. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 Evacuees must provide proof of evacuation, and parents or guardians must remain with their children at all times. Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Instead, the decision is left to parents and guardians. Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guardians
Noun
  • Williams has never lacked interpreters, custodians, handlers, or rescuers with pruning shears.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2026
  • Some custodians give checkbooks to IRA owners.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Gill leads the keepers in defending the goal, followed by Gregor Kobel (Switzerland), Beiranvand, Diogo Costa (Portugal), Benjamin Asare (Ghana), Mostafa Shoubir (Egypt), Eloy Room (Curacao), Pickford, Vozinha, and Mohammed Alowais (Saudi Arabia).
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026
  • Born in a facility out West, Yonnie was about 3 months old when she and her companion bear, Kodiak, were flown to Charlotte to meet their new keepers, officials said.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Galarza sent a cross to Enciso, who was unmarked by Germany's defenders and easily headed it past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
    Kyle Hightower, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The ringleader is Virgil van Dijk, one of the best defenders of his generation with Liverpool, who has captained the Oranje for a national record 72 appearances and represented the Dutch national team for a decade.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • For that reason, caregivers are encouraged to take precautions and have a safety plan in place.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
  • House Bill 256 expands rights and protections for foster parents, relative caregivers and fictive kin caregivers.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The Lakers were eliminated by Oklahoma City, who relied on standout performances from young guards Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell to overcome a quiet series from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and an injury to Jalen Williams.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Armed guards routinely patrol outside synagogues, Jewish community centers and schools.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • The congregation started to arrive at the usual time, about half an hour before Mass on a recent Saturday afternoon, the old church slowly filling with the descendants and caretakers of a place of great serenity but also great loss.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Over the weekend, however, caretakers observed a rapid decline in Makan’s condition.
    Reeti Malhotra July 1, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Defense The primary reason the Lakers likely chose Kessler over offering a max deal to Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren is that Kessler is one of the NBA’s best rim protectors.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Krypto is one of the protectors of the universe, like Sagittarius, which is why the Superdog is one of the most interesting stars of the movie.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • At least two Colorado prison wardens participated in a racist, homophobic group chat on both personal and work cellphones for years, prompting an internal investigation into their conduct that has stretched for 15 months.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 29 June 2026
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guardians.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guardians. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on guardians

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster