beam 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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beam

2 of 2

verb

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
Physical restoration of the building, which included reinforcing the structure with steel beams and adding protective coatings to walls and columns that had been exposed following the fire, began in 2016, and is still underway. Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025 The bridge, struck by a truck with an oversized load, will have its fascia beam and bridge deck repaired. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
The photo, which shows the two artists beaming at each other under the stadium lights, quickly racked up likes and comments from fans and fellow musicians alike, all celebrating the unexpected collaboration. Ashley Vega, People.com, 4 July 2025 The couple across the table, Fred and Judy, beamed. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for beam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam
Noun
  • The shorter cycling-specific bill keeps harmful rays out of your eyes yet doesn’t hinder visibility.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Bright streaks known as ejecta rays can also be spotted leading away from large impact sites — such as the vast Tycho crater scarring the south lunar region — where reflective material was excavated and cast out across the lunar surface during particularly violent events.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Michigan City is a shining example of this with its 11th Street Station for the South Shore Line.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • The blue supergiant star Deneb can be found shining above the eastern horizon in the hours following sunset in July, forming the tail of the great swan represented by the constellation Cygnus.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • One of them made eye contact with me, grinned, and winked.
    Sloane Crosley, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
  • In the first test, Retton grinned while failing to properly track the officer’s finger without moving her head.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Her primary function seems to be solely to wear a tight, glowing suit and look concerned.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 9 July 2025
  • Bio-Oil has also received glowing reviews from more than one mama.
    Erin Bunch, Glamour, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement Advertisement Cole Palmer looked perplexed and frustrated as Donald Trump stood in front of him, smiling and clapping, even as FIFA President Gianni Infantino could be seen unsuccessfully urging the U.S. President to move aside so as not to obstruct the team’s celebrations.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 14 July 2025
  • And yet, when that year’s Oscar party kicked off at Morton’s, there was Lansing, smiling and posing with the editor-in-chief.
    Michael Grynbaum, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Asked by a reporter this week to describe the journey of her tennis career, Amanda Anisimova paused, then laughed.
    Becky Sullivan, NPR, 11 July 2025
  • From left: Betty laughs in her armchair, and a screenshot of the video.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Beam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beam. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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