belay

verb

Definition of belaynext
as in to fasten
to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure The climber belayed the rope.

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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 belay The ship’s resting place deep underwater helped preserve key features, like bow clamps and belaying pins, by limiting the growth of invasive quagga mussels, as noted in the release. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Drinking should happen after you’re done belaying for the day. — Outside Editors, Outside Online, 3 July 2025 So the climbers who found the elk helped rig him up to belay the creature to the base of the wall, officials said. — Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025 Born as a design concept to give climbers a shoe to wear for quick access to the crag, comfort when belaying and recovery after a climb, the Kragg fills a need. — Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for belay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belay
  1. fasten
  2. tie
  3. clip
  4. clinch
  5. pin
  6. clench
  7. strap
Verb
  • Whitney did her own makeup, put on her Nike Cortez sneakers, and fastened an ivory bandana around her head.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • That is unwelcome news to Estifanos Dagne and Rahel Estifanos, whose daughter Wongel fell 100 feet to her death in 2021 on the park’s Haunted Mine Drop after workers there failed to notice her seat belt was not fastened.
    — Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of fasten
Verb
  • In this economy, the value of luxury assets like art, watches and fine jewelry is tied to their ability to signal that their owners can afford what others cannot.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is running a Creator Pitch Challenge tied to its 40th anniversary, while Bloomr.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of tie
Verb
  • Jegadish clipped her smart phone to a headset and began chopping a carrot, her phone recording her every hand movement.
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
  • It's quickly cleared of being a spotter concern, but Echevarrieta wants the video clipped just in case for later.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of clip
Verb
  • The bargain Guardians clinched the American League Central title and earned a bye in the playoffs.
    — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Player of the Week Senior forward Andrew Guzy records a hat trick and adds an assist as Lemont beats Evergreen Park 9-0 to clinch the South Suburban Blue title.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of clinch
Verb
  • Nemeth hit a Danger Zone and tried to pin Slater, but to no avail.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Often during the Oscar corridor, a celebrity will pin their imprimatur to a worthy documentary or short film to get word out.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of pin
Verb
  • Parents rushing to a reunification center, hearts clenched with the hope of finding their children among the survivors.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The third sits nearer the ear and detects chewing and teeth clenching.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of clench
Verb
  • Until then, Hill will keep his workouts going and wait for the chance to strap on pads and start playing in the NFL once again – that is if a team wants his services in 2026.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • AirsFish Soccer Shin Guards for Kids Breathable and sweat-absorbent, these shin guards strap around the foot to stay securely in place.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of strap

Browse Nearby Words

belauds
belay
belayed
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Cite this Entry

“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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