as in light
something that provides illumination
the floodlit skyscraper is one of the city's most beloved nighttime beacons
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of beacon
Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The spokesperson said the tower holds a Coast Guard beacon that predates the park.
—Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 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
Think of it as a cosmic beacon, a temporary but incredibly bright powerhouse, guiding the formation of the entire cluster.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The spokesperson said the tower holds a Coast Guard beacon that predates the park.
—Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 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
-
Other tips include riding defensively around cars, using front and rear lights, wearing reflective vests in the dark, and avoiding biking under the influence of drugs or alcohol.—
Sarah Raza,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Before Jody, nobody had ever pushed me to consider the frame, the light, or even the words on the page.—
Lena Dunham,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
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These fruits are tiny stars, planets in arm’s reach, little moons reddened by desire and cunning, the sun, at each step, illumines the petals of the dogwood flowers, their bright yellow is dimmed by no leaf, on their still-bare branches the first fissure in winter opens up by magic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
The two residents who shared the bare room had no TV, no lamps, and the blinds didn’t work.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
No matter the size, the decor is all Old World luxury—brocade upholstery, crystal lamp bases, and marble counters.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Gomez opted for a true neutral petal mani, which illuminates her natural nail bed and adds the subtlest flush of pink.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The grandiose space’s massive stage and high-caliber lighting rigs promise extravagant parties and ceremonies that will light up the city’s social calendar.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Scenic designer Matthew Herman created a rectangular center stage with LED panel lighting by Sammy Webster that mimics the flourescent office lights of the past but explodes with color in a surprise dancing-on-the-tables scene.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Like the restaurant, Toja draws on local traditions with a spa menu that includes invigorating pijat massages and exfoliating scrubs with rice, ginger, and candle nut.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Use a low amber light or candle if safety is a concern.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Beacon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beacon. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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