be (to)

verb

Definition of be (to)next
as in to treat
to behave toward in a stated way you need to be nice to your brother

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for be (to)
  1. treat
  2. serve
  3. handle
  4. use
Verb
  • On an average day, a primary care pediatrician cycles through room after room treating anything from an allergic reaction, to a fever, to conducting a routine school physical.
    — Roshan N. Bransden, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Beneath the armor and beyond the crowds, Greengrass’ epic hinges on the moment when people long treated as expendable begin to act on their claim to dignity and agency.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of treat
Verb
  • Sabalenka didn’t serve brilliantly, landing 55 percent of her first serves.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In Al Mawasi, wood, sheet metal, and solar panels have become six university halls serving hundreds of students each day.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of serve
Verb
  • Unfortunately for Gina, however, Heather is handling this like such a pro that Gina just looks ridiculous.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • As a 22-year-old rookie, Maye showed great maturity in handling a brutal situation.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of handle
Verb
  • The Elegante used a heavy retractable hardtop operated by an elaborate electro-hydraulic mechanism, with the entire operation taking roughly two minutes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The Seahawks used that coverage on nearly 50% of its defensive snaps in the Super Bowl, the highest rate Maye saw all season.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of use
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.

Browse Nearby Words

bêtises
be (to)
betoken
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Be (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/be%20%28to%29. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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