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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 latest version replaces a hydraulic press-roll mechanism with an electric system designed to reduce maintenance while maintaining yarn alignment and beam quality. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026 The layout includes a full-beam owner’s suite at the bow, two guest cabins on the lower deck, and a flexible living/galley space amidships that can become a third cabin if desired. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026

Verb

High school student Bella Dubrovsky beamed proudly next to her tray of artfully frosted sugar cookies. — Laina Gustafson, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2026 O'Neal leaned against McEnroe's shoulder while the mother-daughter pair beamed for the selfie. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam

Noun

During warmer months, patrons also have the opportunity to dine alfresco on its patio, which is cloaked in rays of amber at sunset.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
That low, the rays must pass through a much thicker layer of the atmosphere than when the sun is higher in the sky, increasing the light distortion that complicates photography.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of ray

Verb

Pack a blackout sleep mask just in case There’s nothing worse than finally crawling into your hotel bed after a long travel day, only to discover that the curtains don’t fully close and a streetlight is shining directly onto your pillow.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2026
The menu focused on clean, whole ingredients, sacrificing robust seasoning to let the natural flavors shine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

What's particularly interesting and endearing about this feature is that while previous implementations of the glowing logo relied on an existing screen backlight, OLED panels (which use self-emitting pixels) need no backlight.

— Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Russian media outlets later reported a blaze at Ryazan oil refinery, sharing pictures of plumes of smoke and the night sky glowing red.

— Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026