as in to fasten
to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure
The climber belayed the rope.
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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
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
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At the moment of the attack, the patrol was monitoring a black rhino and tracking the animal through a GPS device fastened to its ankle.—
Ryan Brennan
April 27,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
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At the moment of the attack, the patrol was monitoring a black rhino through a GPS device fastened to the animal’s ankle.—
Ryan Brennan
April 27,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While travelers can file claims in bankruptcy proceedings, those tied to points are likely to be last in line for payment, assuming any money is available.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
2 May 2026
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Julio Rodriguez had just tied the game in the seventh inning with his second home run of the evening.—
Jaylon Thompson
May 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Rain pushes the weeds higher, then shelters them on turf too soft for the machines meant to clip them.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
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Enjoy the offseason and try not to watch that clip too many times this summer.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Laub won her Super Tiebreaker 10-8 to clinch the win.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
2 May 2026
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Premier League Preview Manchester United hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in a huge rivalry game with both teams close to clinching Champions League qualification.—
Steve Kornacki,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Arsenal’s idea is to use this overload to pin Willock and find Eze before Murphy can get out to close him down.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Lawrence can simply pin his ears back, get off the ball with a jetpack on and rush without losing momentum.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The two of them clench in the car, waiting to be let through the border.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
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May watched, jaw clenched, arms crossed, eyes glassy.—
Justin Williams,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Motorsports sanctioning bodies and manufacturers continually work to improve safety measures, to better protect competitors, spectators, track personnel and others every time racers strap on their helmets, buckle their safety belts, take to the track and compete.—
Jan Wagner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
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In winter, the mountains transform into one of Japan's top ski destinations, with dozens of resorts accessible within minutes of bullet train stations; non-skiers can strap on traditional Japanese snowshoes and sip hot tea in the snowy forest.—
Iona Brannon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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