become

verb be·come \ bi-ˈkəm , bē- \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 2018

Examples: become in a Sentence

Definition of become

became play \-ˈkām\; become; becoming

intransitive verb

1 a : 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

See become defined for English-language learners

See become defined for kids

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 of become from the Web

At its worst, putting identity first can become a way to close down debates that Democrats need to have.

— The Economist, "What’s left?To win back power, Democrats must do things that make them uncomfortable," 14 July 2018
The Reds have triggered the release clause in Shaqiri's contract at the Bet365 Stadium, and unless there are complications, the Swiss winger will become Jurgen Klopp's third summer signing in the coming days.

— SI.com, "Xherdan Shaqiri Set for Liverpool Medical as Reds Close in on Third Summer Signing," 13 July 2018
How exactly did a gun manufacturer in Pike County linked to an alleged cult become a required stop for Republican candidates?

— chris brennan, Philly.com, "Nancy Pelosi pals around with convicted tax dodger at Dems fundraiser in Philly," 13 July 2018
Walker, who makes $12 million next season, will become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his seven-season NBA career.

— rick bonnell, charlotteobserver, "Why All-Star Kemba Walker’s New York ties should worry Charlotte Hornets," 13 July 2018
Earlier this month, Drake’s latest album, Scorpion, become his eighth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

— stereo williams, Billboard, "Drake's 2018 Has Been Huge. But Is He the Biggest Rapper Ever?," 13 July 2018
Showers and rumbles of thunder become more and more possible as the day wears on.

— a. camden walker, Washington Post, "D.C.-area forecast: Un-muggy heat through tomorrow, but then we turn steamy and wetter into next week," 13 July 2018
The pleasure cruise may soon become a nautical nightmare.

— guy hanford, Ramona Sentinel, "Flickers," 12 July 2018
Spurning their mothers’ instructions, Willa’s son Dylan and the wild child Gren become friends, inadvertently inciting a bloody confrontation during a Christmas party.

— sam sacks, WSJ, "Fiction: A Depraved and Beautiful Dream of the World," 12 July 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of become

Middle English, to come to, become, from Old English becuman, from be- + cuman to come

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

become Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Near Antonyms

abide, be, continue, linger, remain, stay;

BECOME Defined for English Language Learners

become

verb

Definition of become for English Language Learners

: to begin to be or come to be something specified : to begin to have a specified quality
: to look attractive on (someone) : to be flattering to (someone)
: to be suitable for (someone) : to be proper for (someone)