BEAM Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

beam 1 of 2

noun

ˈbēm

Definition of beam

as in ray

a narrow sharply defined line of light radiating from an object we'll need a flashlight that casts a broader beam in order to really see anything

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beam

2 of 2

verb

as in to shine

to emit rays of light a lighthouse has beamed from this site since the 1790s

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grin

to express an emotion (as amusement) by curving the lips upward my father beamed when I showed him my new car

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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 beam

Noun

The beams, in a 32-story project at 222 Broadway expected to yield nearly 800 apartment units, had been wrapped in steel as a makeshift fix, the agency said. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 Yuri was able to gain more ceiling height by taking away the sheetrock and exposing the ceiling beams. — Jennifer Fernandez, Architectural Digest, 30 July 2026

Verb

On Sweet Thief, Luluc seems to beam their dream-folk transmissions to us from this speculative demi-world, each song compressed yet complete, rescaling our perspective to a bright point. — Brian Howe, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026 Alejandra also posed for a photo with Javier Bardem, with him and Gere each holding a side of a Spain T-shirt while Alejandra beamed in the middle of them. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam

Noun

Traditional gamma-ray spectrometers measure only the total energy an incoming photon deposits inside a single detector block.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
In the latest social media trend, the quest for the darkest tan has people forgoing sunscreen and seeking peak ultraviolet ray exposure.

— Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of ray

Verb

While only a handful appear each hour before the shower reaches maximum activity, early Perseids are known for producing vivid green fireballs and long-lasting glowing trails.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Despite glowing reviews and fans begging for its release, a film industry dominated by political correctness refused to touch it.

— William Earl, Variety, 30 July 2026

Definition of glow

Verb

All around them, guests smiled and laughed as children screamed with excitement and giggled each time a butterfly fluttered close.

— Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
For a second, Fauci almost seemed to laugh, and there was a glimpse of the public-health official who had charmed much of the country during the pandemic, with his air of amiable competence.

— Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026