custody

noun

ˈkə-stə-dē How to pronounce custody (audio)
Definition of custodynext
as in care
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something the government department having custody of all official state gifts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 custody During the ordeal, Del Mar started a group called Fathers Helping Fathers, which advocated for unwed or divorced fathers seeking legal advice on custody. — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Authorities took a total of eight people into custody Thursday, and charged 15 defendants, including six medical professionals. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 The woman’s husband was taken into NYPD custody for questioning, a police source said. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026 Police noted that a partially visible shoe in the photo appeared to match the shoes Fenner was wearing when he was taken into custody. — Cbs Baltimore, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for custody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custody
  1. care
  2. guardianship
  3. custodianship
  4. control
  5. safekeeping
Noun
  • Those figures largely predate the state’s move to universal free child care, which began in November 2025 and is funded by an oil and gas windfall.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In a bucket hat and without a care in the world, Murray speaks kindly but candidly about making his buddy Coyne’s TV dream come true.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of care
Noun
  • Hayden Panettiere‘s former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, was granted temporary guardianship of her estate on Friday, following the actor’s sudden death in August.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Permanent guardianship of the estate is set to be decided in December.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of guardianship
Noun
  • Weisbecker is not involved in the efforts but said her main concern was ensuring Indigenous people would have custodianship of the animal and that their input would help shape the thylacine’s de-extinction plans.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Venezuela’s oil production has jumped under Washington’s custodianship, though questions abound about where those profits, which were intended to help rebuild the country, have ended up.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of custodianship
Noun
  • On September 19, Miller’s forecast gave the Republicans an almost 36% chance of retaining control of the upper chamber.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But two more scores from Rexroat of 5 and 54 yards maintained the Eagles’ control of the game.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • The Uffizi temporarily removed the Caravaggio for safekeeping and closed the room, which reopened as usual on September 18.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Other tasks she highlights include checking that your windshield washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures and placing some gloves and a blanket in the trunk for safekeeping.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of safekeeping

Browse Nearby Words

custodies
custody
custom
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custody. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on custody

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about custody

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