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

Also beware of high-calorie mixers. —Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026

Arachnophobes beware, an invasive spider is making its way up the coast from Georgia, and experts expect to see a large number in North Carolina in coming years. —Eva Flowe june 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

Please beware that in this emerging field of research, medications could cause adverse effects and problems not reported here. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026

Please beware that in this emerging field of research, medications could cause adverse effects and problems not reported here. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 June 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