as in light
something that provides illumination
the floodlit skyscraper is one of the city's most beloved nighttime beacons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to illumine
to supply with light
a lone lighthouse beacons the entrance to the island's only harbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 beacon
David K. Li, NBC news, 13 May 2026
It’s long stood as a beacon for generations of classical musicians of color.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 27 Feb. 2023
In the meantime, January will beacon you into hermit mode, especially at the top of the month due to the Cancer full moon on Friday, January 6.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for beacon
Noun
Walt Simpson / Business Wire via AP The survivors had no way to communicate or call for help — but fortunately their emergency locator transmitter beacon led rescuers to the scene, Piowaty said.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 13 May 2026
It’s long stood as a beacon for generations of classical musicians of color.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026
Verb
Growing underground with their luminous flowers beaconing through the soil, around 90 species of Thismia have been discovered.
—Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 27 Feb. 2023
In the meantime, January will beacon you into hermit mode, especially at the top of the month due to the Cancer full moon on Friday, January 6.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for beacon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beacon
Noun
-
Seen in this light, the announcements from Iran are likely more signaling than a genuine policy proposal.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
17 May 2026
-
The aroma blends grassy cane freshness with vanilla cream, citrus peel, green banana, and light caramel.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
Fantastic, illumined by periodic excursions into surrealism, as when the crew of a mysterious UFO boards a transpacific Kahuna Airlines jet midflight.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Geraldine walked over to Felix and Jane’s for fish soup, through long autumn shadows in the park, haze rising like smoke from the grass, illumined by the low sun.—
Tessa Hadley,
New Yorker,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
Steps away, a main reception room offers privacy, palm tree lamps, a white sofa and armchairs positioned towards the terrace with sea views.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The 1000-page night sits on the outer limit of Clarke’s professional life, but identifying that margin is illuminating.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
The Disney World version of Soarin’ Across America ends with Epcot’s Spaceship Earth attraction illuminated in red, white, and blue and Tinker Bell sprinkling pixie dust on the Florida theme park as patriotic fireworks explode overhead.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Prevent crickets from entering by sealing cracks, reducing outdoor lighting, and keeping your home's surroundings tidy.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
16 May 2026
-
The outages are impacting water supply, lighting, refrigeration and communications.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
After Sophie vanished, investigators searched her room and discovered a single candle left burning and $300 inside a bag.—
Kyani Reid,
NBC news,
20 May 2026
-
The 50-room property replaces screen time with llama trekking, whitewater rafting, wood burning, candle making and plein air painting.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Beacon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beacon. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
