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 The Padres also confirmed that Pirela, a catching coordinator in their minor league system, was no longer in custody. — Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Goss was booked into the Johnson County jail Monday and remained in custody Tuesday morning, according to jail records. — Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 Jayden Allen Harwood, according to Uthmeier's office, was arrested on charges of interference in a child custody case and resisting officers without violence. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The surrogate and biological parents are in a legal battle over custody and medical decisions. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for custody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for custody
  1. care
  2. guardianship
  3. custodianship
  4. control
  5. safekeeping
Noun
  • Flowers like geraniums, coleus, and lavender are easy to propagate and maintain with proper care indoors.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Slate chips replace the usual bark or mulch, and layered plantings, custom window boxes and a medallion set into the rear of the fireplace show the same level of care found indoors.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of care
Noun
  • Williams has been vocal about her objections to the guardianships, and her attempts to be removed from it.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Williams has since disputed any cognitive impairment diagnosis and has petitioned to have her guardianship removed.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of guardianship
Noun
  • 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
  • Today, Bacon Hole — a cave carved into limestone cliffs overlooking the Bristol Channel — is under the custodianship of the National Trust Wales, which, together with the Bradshaw Foundation, has funded scientific research at the site.
    — Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 1 June 2026
Definition of custodianship
Noun
  • Communities from Lansing, Michigan, to Pflugerville, Texas, are ending their relationship with Flock, largely over concerns regarding out-of-control surveillance, unwanted data sharing, high expenses, and reports of police abusing the tool.
    — Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • According to the sheriff's office, Awais used his property-management companies and his relationships with association board members to exert control over the organizations' operations and finances.
    — Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • The book, which has been in the safekeeping of the Van Eeghen family for more than three centuries, contains approximately thirty drawings, many of which depict biblical scenes.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 19 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/custody. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on custody

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about custody

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