BEAD Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

bead 1 of 2

noun

ˈbēd

Definition of bead

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

Highlights include a jewel box of a shop lined with wood drawers of glittering gemlike brooches, insignia, cords, and colored fringes; an embroidery and monogramming school; and a bead room for commissioning consultations. — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026 With beads of sweat still streaking down his face, South Carolina coach Shane Beamer happily went over the checklist on his personal notepad after the Gamecocks’ 57-0 season-opening win over Kent State. — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 7 Sep. 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

Noun

But globs of liquid mercury worked just fine to show the melting shards coming together, even though its toxicity meant the special effects crew had to wear protective gear over the two-day shoot.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
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

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

Warm, weightless themes rose like thermals, shaking loose a shower of staccato droplets in the woodwinds.

— Justin Davidson, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Pursuing her ongoing search for visual harmony, Ransom looked to ammonite fossils and the effects of water on their surfaces, using sapphires to mimic droplets.

— Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 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

Along with biotech firms researching cell aging and regeneration, the burgeoning business of longevity also includes the surge in demand for peptides, testosterone and supplements, along with IV drips, red-light therapies and biomarker trackers.

— Robert Frank, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Step 5 Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip back into bag.

— Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of drip

Verb

Lockdown and active shooter simulations look and feel very different, though people often lump the two practices together.

— Emily Greene-Colozzi, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026
Barca’s debt figure is often exaggerated in some circles, with the club’s total liabilities lumped together in a manner not seen elsewhere.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of lump

Noun

One play before the touchdown, Cobb made up for his earlier drop with a catch-and-run on a screen pass that went for 46 yards and moved the ball to the Kennesaw State 2.

— Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
The travel-booking company also says that travelers headed to major cities for Thanksgiving or Christmas could see a price drop for hotels in the last 24-48 hours before the holiday.

— Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 26 Sep. 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

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Style

“Bead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bead. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bead

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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