become

verb

be·come | \ bi-ˈkəm

, bē-\

became\ bi-ˈkām

, bē- \; become; becoming

Definition of become

intransitive verb

1a : to come into existence

b : to come to be become sick They both became teachers.

2 : to undergo change or development The pain was becoming more intense.

transitive verb

: to be suitable to seriousness becoming the occasion especially : to be becoming to her clothes become her

become of

: to happen to wondering whatever became of old friends

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about become

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Synonyms for become

Synonyms

come, get, go, grow, run, turn, wax

Examples of become in a Sentence

Although I've known him for years, we didn't become close friends until recently. She won the election, becoming the first woman to be President of the nation. The book has become quite popular. We became interested in the property last year. The crackers had become stale. It eventually became clear that he had lied. This kind of behavior hardly becomes a person of your age and position.

Recent Examples on the Web

All three women wore versions of the classic black separates Beckham’s label has become known for. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Victoria Beckham Celebrates International Women’s Day With Her Nearest and Dearest," 8 Mar. 2019 The Republican lawmaker became known for his independence from his party. — Natalie Andrews, WSJ, "GOP Congressman Who Changed Mind to Oppose Iraq War Dies at 76," 10 Feb. 2019 The phenomenon of giant waves breaking while still far out at sea has since become known as the Van Dorn effect and has been validated by later studies using advanced computer techniques. — David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, "The Truth Behind Russia’s 'Apocalypse Torpedo'," 18 Jan. 2019 Robert Sheehan is an Irish actor who became a breakout start thanks to his role as Nathan Young in Misfits. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "Meet the Cast of "The Umbrella Academy" and Their Characters," 26 Feb. 2019 Talk with friends who have suddenly become subordinates about changes in behavior required by your new role, such as having lunch together less often. — Sue Shellenbarger, WSJ, "When a Promotion Means Losing Friends at Work," 26 Feb. 2019 La Rhea passed down the Pepper share of the farm to Terry's younger brother, Carl, then moved to Lander, WY, and became managing director of Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit she and Terry helped start in 2002 under the name Organic Exchange. — Erin Quinn-kong, Woman's Day, "Are Your Fast-Fashion Clothes Killing Farmers?," 14 Feb. 2019 Johnny Louis/Getty Images Diamond and Silk, the Trump-supporting North Carolina sisters who inexplicably became a centerpiece of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s congressional hearings last year, are headed back to Capitol Hill. — Emily Stewart, Vox, "Diamond and Silk, Fox & Friends’ favorite black Trump supporters, explained," 5 Feb. 2019 Meghan, who became a UN Women's Advocate in 2015, has long been a vocal feminist and continues to support women throughout her royal career. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle Writes Heartwarming Notes to Women on Bananas," 1 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'become.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.