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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
  • Two aircraft can combine their observations instead of treating each sensor picture separately.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The following books refuse to treat breakups as a singular ending or distinguish the breakup from the inevitable awakening.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of treat
Verb
  • Manchin never ran after serving in the Senate, but Senate Republicans believe Justice is more likely to run than not, according to several GOP sources.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The heart of it is the sushi counter, a beautiful bar where chefs work meticulously right in front of you, and where the eight-course Signature Omakase is served.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of serve
Verb
  • Having to balance coverage of this unimaginable tragedy with more typical Housewives scenes is a remarkably tricky balancing act, but one that the show handles well.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The National Transportation Safety Board generally handles civilian aviation accidents, but the military investigates crashes involving its own aircraft.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of handle
Verb
  • The Saudis have since used the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which leads out of the Red Sea, for crude oil exports.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Leaders on this path are using AI to increase the capabilities of their marketing teams and expand what talented people can accomplish.
    — George Couris, Forbes.com, 15 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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