Synonyms of be

be 1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈbē 

1

as in to live

to have life

stories that begin with the familiar line "once upon a time there was a beautiful maiden"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• live
• exist
• rule
• continue
• breathe
• survive
• keep (on)
• subsist
• flourish
• persist
• last
• lead
• endure
• kick
• hold on
• run on
• abide
• move
• thrive
• hold up
• prosper

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• die
• disappear
• depart
• perish
• expire
• pass away
• stop
• succumb
• vanish
• cease
• evaporate
• end
• quit
• die (down)
• discontinue
• moderate
• subside
• abate
• desist
• wane
• let up
• ebb

2

as in to stand

to occupy a place or location

we'll be there waiting for you

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stand
• lie
• sit
• remain
• reside
• stay
• bear
• wait
• rest
• overlook
• station
• hang around
• await
• stick around
• command
• dwell
• post
• tarry

3

as in to rank

to take or have a certain position within a group arranged in vertical classes

our school's football team is first in its division

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rank
• place
• stand
• rate
• grade
• sort
• class
• count
• classify
• group
• set
• seed
• categorize
• separate
• install
• codify
• compartmentalize
• instate

4

as in to happen

to take place

the party is next Saturday

Synonyms & Similar Words

• happen
• come
• occur
• do
• come about
• come down
• cook
• come to pass
• come off
• pass
• befall
• chance
• transpire
• go down
• go on
• hap
• rise
• develop
• come up
• arise
• betide
• proceed
• result
• shape (up)
• materialize
• intervene
• fall out
• turn out
• crop (up)
• follow
• break
• spring (up)
• go off

be (to)

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to treat

to behave toward in a stated way

you need to be nice to your brother

Synonyms & Similar Words

• treat
• serve
• act (toward)
• handle
• deal (with)
• use
• respond (to)
• do by
• react (to)
• engage (with)
• regard
• view
• consider
• rate
• esteem
• reckon

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of be

Verb

None was successful in proving there was widespread voter fraud. —Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

Domestically, while there was interest by outlets like Fox, Prime Video and the CW, no deals materialized, with buyers taking a wait-and see-approach, knowing that Sony TV was proceeding with production no matter what. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026

Customers have taken to social media platforms for days to complain about things like lack of overhead bin space and not being allowed to switch seats, even when there are plenty open. —Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026

There are currently 45 ATP tournaments operating at the lowest level worldwide in places like Mallorca; Dallas; Hong Kong; Bucharest, Romania; Chengdu, China; and Adelaide, Australia, 40 of which are also played by women. —David Shaftel, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing be

• be (to)
• be friends with
• be on the lookout for
• be out of breath
• be partial to
• fit to be tied
• to be sure