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
  • The map shows other towers close by, each radiating a string that is fastened to the map when other towers radio in readings.
    — Robert Sullivan, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Unique to the mid-top is a metal hook that fastens its collar strap, replacing the plastic hook traditionally seen on the Air Force 1 Mid.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fasten
Verb
  • The next batter, Sogard, pulled a hanging breaking ball from Hentges off the Green Monster, driving in Monasterio and tying the game.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Right-hander Ben Joyce, who had not given up a run in any of his first six games, was a strike away from ending it when the Rangers’ Wyatt Langford blooped a 102 mph pitch into right field for a game-tying double.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of tie
Verb
  • Southwestern Minnesota will see a few more clouds, and could get clipped by a few showers in the early hours.
    — Joseph Dames, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Mastering the clipping economy Some of Ossoff’s newfound fans know him mostly from clips — one or two-minute-long videos that travel wide and far on social media platforms.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of clip
Verb
  • Democratic powerhouse Debbie Wasserman Schultz will return to Congress for her 12th term after clinching the Democratic primary for her new, blue-leaning district.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Knicks clinched the championship in Game 5, which fell on a Saturday, and Hargitay’s evening performance kept her from watching live.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of clinch
Verb
  • The Blaze host Auron MacIntyre likewise opined that all the infighting over burrito pricing is a symptom of a party bracing for a midterm drubbing and pre-emptively looking for something to pin it on.
    — Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The patient thinks the clinician is going to pin them down into a less-than-human category.
    — Orna Guralnik, The New York Review of Books, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of pin
Verb
  • As the recording played, with Davis recounting seeing the ambulance that was carrying the rapper, Shakur’s sister clenched her left hand against her mouth.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The race to replace Whitmer In the governor’s race, Michigan's secretary of state, Jocelyn Benson, seems poised to clench the Democratic nomination over Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
    — Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of clench
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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Cite this Entry

“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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