beware

verb

be·​ware bi-ˈwer 

bē-

intransitive

: to be on one's guard

beware of the dog

transitive

1

: to take care of

beware your wallet

2

: to be wary of

We must … beware the exceedingly tenuous generalization …

—Matthew Lipman

Synonyms of beware

• guard (against)
• watch out (for)
• notice
• look out (for)

Examples of beware in a Sentence

A ghostly voice cried “Beware!”.

He told them to beware.

The restaurant's food is excellent, but beware the chili if you don't like spicy food.

Recent Examples on the Web

For buyers, always beware of nonrefundable deposits that come with a rent-to-own agreement. —Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 17 Feb. 2026

The historian must always beware of confusing filiation with explanation. —Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026

The planetary moonwalk commences on the 26th, twelve days after Valentine’s Day, and is plotting and sussing out the story, so beware of mishaps, missteps, unforeseen issues, travel delays, the resurrection of exes, and awkward moments. —Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 12 Feb. 2026

The bureau advises gamblers to beware promises of big payouts, tempting ads with no details, sweepstakes-style games, overseas business locations and payment through cryptocurrency. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English been war, from been "to be" + war "cognizant, ware entry 1"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for beware

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare
• cookware

Kids Definition

beware

verb

be·​ware bi-ˈwa(ə)r 

-ˈwe(ə)r

1

: to be on one's guard

beware of the dog

2

: to be suspicious of

beware the quick excuse