BE LAY Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

belay

verb

Definition of belay

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

Verb

Ten giant, vintage-looking buttons, each representing a nonprofit in attendance, were seemingly fastened to the top of the stage.

— Megan Sauer, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026
The firemen on The Pile looking for their brothers used rubber bands to fasten those cards to their helmets, the way a soldier might store a pack of cigarettes.

— Peter Wilkinson, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of fasten

Verb

Alonso tied the score in the ninth inning Tuesday with his 300th career homer and took a rare curtain call on the road to acknowledge adoring Mets fans still unhappy about his departure for Baltimore last December.

— CBS News, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
His conviction at trial was based almost entirely on the victim’s ID; there was no forensic or other evidence tying him to the crime.

— Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

Brands, including sports leagues, understand that content clipping is both a marketing strategy and a way to engage with new and established audiences.

— Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Murphy is engaging enough to keep things clipping right along (and Emma is a heroine very easy to root for), but things are at their very best when Emma and Luke are giving into their big feelings.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026

Definition of clip

Verb

The New York Yankees clinched their fourth successive pennant with a win over Detroit.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
As fate would have it, pitcher JR Ritchie, shown throwing during spring training workouts in February, will take the mound on a day the Braves can clinch a postseason berth.

— Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of clinch

Verb

Other than the fact that two people getting ax-murdered didn’t rouse her from her nap, there wasn’t anything suspicious about Bridget; not that there weren’t plenty of people ready to pin the crimes on her.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Tennessee will likely be playing from behind, but against an elite defense that can pin its ears back and attack Cam Ward, that may not translate into production for Tate.

— Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of pin

Verb

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
Members of the TreeCircus crew will help participants strap into the rope system and teach them how to climb using only the power of their own body.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of strap

Browse Nearby Words

belauds

belay

belayed

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Style

“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of belay

verb

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