be

verb

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"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 And then there are other analysts and reporters, such as Mark Clattenburg, Geoff Shreeves, Alex Aljoe and Katie Shanahan. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 18 July 2026 Texas Tech’s Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell says there was nothing nefarious about a June donation to Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026 It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026 During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 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
  • Residents have continued to call on local officials to secure a strong community benefits agreement in those negotiations in order to ensure the deal will benefit all Wyandotte County residents, including those living east of I-635.
    — Sofi Zeman July 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
  • Individuals face criminal citations and prosecutions over living outside, and personal property that’s stored in public is frequently destroyed.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 15 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
  • Based on that timeline, Gueye’s re-evaluation won’t happen until mid-October at the earliest.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
  • How else to explain what happened on Wednesday, or eight days prior in the escape against Egypt?
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of happen
Verb
  • Christian nationalists — once existing in the margins of American Christianity — have become mainstream in recent years, establishing churches that host some of the nation’s most powerful politicians.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Remaining floors would be dedicated to data center infrastructure, according to plans, which also show that an existing building on the site would be demolished and replaced.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 18 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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be
beach
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Cite this Entry

“Be.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/be. Accessed 22 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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