Synonyms of be

be

verb

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of be

Dance Erasing Borders Dance Festival encompasses a wide palette of Indian classical dance—officially, there are eight forms, but in reality there are many more. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2026

Regardless of who’s responsible, there is suddenly a sense that comedy is cool again. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Play ball New York’s baseball teams played a key role in helping lift the city’s spirits, proving there was still room for joy. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

There were only Americans, of every race and religion, who, that Tuesday, took death for us. — Reshma Memon Yaqub, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 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