old guard

Definition of old guardnext
as in establishment
the usually older members of an organization (such as a political party) who do not want or like change She's not popular with the old guard.

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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 old guard Critics of the deal exist among both the Chavista old guard and the pro-democracy opposition. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 Dunk has survived the cull of the ‘old guard’ — Danny Welbeck, Joel Veltman, James Milner, Solly March and Adam Webster have either moved to other clubs, retired or been released. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Not this old guard network, a very closed system of the same wealthy people have kind of been running the show forever. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Fabian Kayser, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound, 17-year-old guard from Paderborn, Germany, is scheduled to make a men’s basketball recruiting visit to Kansas this week, The Star confirmed Tuesday night. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for old guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old guard
establishment
Noun
  • Valentin Prudon, vice-president of the Union of Hotel and Restaurant Trades and Industries (UMIH), said some establishments had experienced cancellations, while others had closed in anticipation of the demonstrations.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
  • This Billingsgate community has access to public transportation, golf, equestrian centers, local farm stands, hiking trails, the Farmington River, public library, and an unlimited range of eclectic dining, coffee shops and retail establishments.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Old guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20guard. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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