bead 1 of 2

noun

ˈbēd How to pronounce bead (audio)
Definition of beadnext
as in glob
the quantity of fluid that falls naturally in one rounded mass squeeze a bead or two of glue onto the seam

Synonyms & Similar Words

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bead

2 of 2

verb

as in to pearl

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 bead
Noun
One cosplayer estimated spending around $2,000 on materials, beads and other supplies for a single costume, not including the months of work needed to complete it. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 25 July 2026 The store carried only a meager inventory of sequins, beads, and painting supplies in addition to the frames. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Verb
The protective barrier causes water to bead up and roll off, preventing mineral deposits and stains. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 Enroll in a Craft Class Many crafts stores offer hands-on activities for kids like scrapbooking, box decorating, bead stringing, pottery, and more. — Robin Westen, Parents, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bead
  1. glob
  2. pearl
  3. droplet
  4. pellet
  5. drip
  6. lump
  7. drop
  8. sphere
Noun
  • Throughout the week, nightstands tend to collect books, cups, charging cords, and the occasional water ring and glob of lotion residue, too.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026
  • Instead of being rolled, the enchiladas are stacked with slivers of tortilla, then topped with the familiar glob of cheese.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026
Definition of glob
Verb
  • The discovery and export of hydrocarbons in the 20th century transformed relatively small maritime trading and pearling societies into high-income states integrated into global energy markets.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026
  • In the summer of 2024, while visiting my grandmother in China, my husband gave me a pearl ring and asked if we could be pearled.
    — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Definition of pearl
Noun
  • University of New Mexico students pass me on the sidewalk, eyes downcast under their umbrellas bent against the fat droplets of rain (the campus is right on Central Ave).
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 July 2026
  • While processing the scene, APD investigators located and collected a droplet of fresh blood that was on a bedroom television stand.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of droplet
Verb
  • The cold air is the same, and the snow pellets my cap, sifts under my collar.
    — Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025
  • The technique has produced delicious, consistent results from campsites in Big Sur, California, and Baja, Mexico—and in everything from frying oil to pellet grills to standard home ovens.
    — Wes Siler, Outside Online, 25 Nov. 2024
Definition of pellet
Noun
  • Adraina prefers her caffeine beverages on the sweet side as a latte, while Matt enjoys cold brew and drip.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Janet grabbed a roll of paper towels, ready to clean up the dirty drips that ran across her kitchen floor.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of drip
Verb
  • Plus, the numbers weren’t business by business, but different areas lumped together.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 July 2026
  • Erasing differences and trying to lump people into one homogenous entity is both infeasible and unhelpful.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of lump
Noun
  • The following season, Toney appeared in a career-high 13 games, but he was plagued by drops and a late-season injury.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The temperature drop will be quite pronounced at elevations above 6,000 feet, with much of the Sierra in the 80s.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of drop
Verb
  • The night culminated with a countdown as a glowing geodesic sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing almost six tons descended from its lofty perch atop One Times Square.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2023
  • But with those four, Grande was able to establish her credibility in the fragrance sphere early in her music career.
    — Emily Jensen, Harper's BAZAAR, 16 Nov. 2022
Definition of sphere

Browse Nearby Words

beacons
bead
beaded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bead. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bead

Nglish: Translation of bead for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bead

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