be 1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈbē How to pronounce be (audio)
Definition of benext
1
as in to live
to have life stories that begin with the familiar line "once upon a time there was a beautiful maiden"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stand
to occupy a place or location we'll be there waiting for you

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
4
as in to happen
to take place the party is next Saturday

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of be
Verb
Last year there were 31,142 total students enrolled in the 59 schools operated by the Archdiocese of Miami, which includes Miami-Dade, Monroe and Broward counties. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026 The singer has been in court this week for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to put him on trial. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 July 2026 The launch hints at sustained progress after years of botched tests, but there is a caveat. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 25 July 2026 As of Saturday morning local time there were no such updates. — CNN Money, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for be
Recent Examples of Synonyms for be
  1. live
  2. stand
  3. rank
  4. happen
  5. exist
  6. lie
  7. place
  8. come
Verb
  • Jones said Velasquez and the victim were close friends and lived just a few miles apart.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
  • In addition to the startling experience of touching the remains of an animal that lived hundreds of millions of years ago, contact with the Mastodonsaurus offers an opportunity to reflect on the future, those involved in the project said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of live
Verb
  • In June, the annual inflation rate stood at 88%, according to official data.
    — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Otis hit a standing powerslam on Theory, but Maxxine answered with a slap to the face.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of stand
Verb
  • Last year, the investment bank UBS ranked Miami as the top city globally at risk of a bubble — when value is overinflated, typically leading to a sharp drop or burst to correct course.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Illicit finance and risks to consumers continue to be deep concerns that prompted compelling comments by two high ranking Senators last week.
    — Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of rank
Verb
  • Streaming Changed the Game Perhaps the most striking shift from four years ago is what happened on digital platforms.
    — Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Then 2025-26 happened — a year where Hutson scored at a near point-per-game pace, improved defensively and was Montreal’s engine from the back end en route to a sixth-place finish for the Norris.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of happen
Verb
  • Without Trail Ridge, the Okefenokee would cease to exist in its present magnificence.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • The church leaders called on lawmakers to retain existing tax exemptions for charitable organizations such as maternity homes, domestic violence shelters and food banks if Amendment 5 passes.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of exist
Verb
  • The avenue lies within the city’s original historic district, where preservation rules tightly regulate new construction and alterations.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • City see Bouaddi as somebody who will need to improve in attacking areas, but are convinced of his ability as a deep-lying, combative midfielder who is very comfortable on the ball.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of lie
Verb
  • Currently, North Carolina is experiencing a drought that’s especially intense in the Piedmont region, which has led to Charlotte Water placing restrictions on water usage.
    — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
  • Schmidt then took Pambianchi's belongings and placed them in the bathtub, where the water destroyed many of her items.
    — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026
Definition of place
Verb
  • Passengers at the back can also get extra serenading with the standard Burmester 3D Surround Sound with Dolby Atmos, which comes with an additional pair of rear speakers and a more powerful 710-watt amp.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 21 July 2026
  • Until the grid manages load better, data centers curtail their own, or new supply comes online, calling on emergency power isn't the backup plan.
    — Anna Demeo, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of come

Phrases Containing be

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beach
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Cite this Entry

“Be.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/be. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on be

Nglish: Translation of be for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about be

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