BEGGAR Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

beggar 1 of 2

noun

ˈbe-gər

Definition of beggar

as in hobo

a person who lives by public begging the pitiful beggars that are such a common sight in underdeveloped countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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beggar

2 of 2

verb

as in to pauperize

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 beggar

Noun

As Telemachus reminds us, the Greeks honor Zeus’ law because even a humble beggar could be a god in disguise. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 July 2026 Gobert was chief among the beggars imploring his teammates for a shred of consistency on that end of the floor. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Apr. 2026

Verb

Ria eventually uncovers a nefarious plot that beggars even euphemistic description in a spoiler-free universe. — Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2023 Iraq entered a long, grueling period of international sanctions that beggared its once robust middle class. — New York Times, 31 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for beggar

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beggar

Noun

The slouchy silhouette is ideal for anyone who appreciates the hobo bag look.

— Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 11 July 2026
Per usual with movies like this, spelling out the terror (the roots are in hobo codes and religious legend) becomes, regrettably, a shock absorber, not a facilitator.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026

Definition of hobo

Noun

Throughout much of Buddhist history, and particularly in Theravada Buddhist contexts, mindfulness and its associated meditation methods have been the purview of mendicants (monks and nuns), who used mindfulness meditation to achieve trance states (jhana) leading to nirvana.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
An internationally famous leader who lived a mendicant’s life.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of mendicant

Verb

There are some people who believe that new residents impoverish and take away from our quality of life and our schools.

— Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
At the same time, serving your nation shouldn’t impoverish you or prevent your spouse or children from having a career or saving for retirement.

— Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026

Definition of impoverish

Verb

French money underwrote the American Revolution, bankrupting Louis XVI’s government and paving the way for their own revolution within a decade of the end of the American war.

— Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
Unless homeowners opt out individually by July 16, more than 200,000 Jackson County households will become part of the lawsuit class seeking a direct one-time refund of overpayments, which some have warned could bankrupt the county.

— Ilana Arougheti July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

Definition of bankrupt

Verb

Floyd is no longer attracted to his wife, has trouble connecting with his teen-age stepson, and owes tens of thousands in taxes—a set of stressors that are ruining his health.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
That would ruin a good thing, apparently, and Foerster credited Puni for not only playing through a knee injury last fall but overcoming early-career growing pains.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

Definition of ruin

Browse Nearby Words

beg (for)

beggar

beggared

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Beggar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beggar. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of beggar

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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