What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gatekeeper
Example
The security guard acted as the gatekeeper, only allowing authorized personnel to enter the building. [gatekeeper: noun]
Example
The editor acted as a gatekeeper, rejecting articles that did not meet the publication's standards. [gatekeeper: noun]
sentinel
Example
The soldier stood sentinel at the entrance to the base, watching for any signs of danger. [sentinel: noun]
Example
The smoke alarm acted as a sentinel, alerting the family to the presence of a fire. [sentinel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gatekeeper is more commonly used than sentinel in everyday language, especially in business or organizational contexts. Sentinel is more commonly used in military or security contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gatekeeper and sentinel?
Both gatekeeper and sentinel are formal words, but gatekeeper is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while sentinel is more specific to formal or technical contexts.
