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

In addition to the pump and other aforementioned components, the purchase includes a patch kit for repairing punctured beams or base. — New Atlas, 9 July 2026 The off-limits area was later scaled back after work crews braced the buckling beams. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026

Verb

The sun is beaming down on you, the beats in your headphones providing the soundtrack to your summer getaway — the vibes are immaculate. — Nissa Renzo, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Options could include experiments related to lunar energy infrastructure or communication systems, including better ways to beam data and messages between Earth and the moon. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam

Noun

Some hurricane windows can filter out up to 90% of ultraviolet rays, which protects your furniture, carpet, drapes and artwork from fading.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Sunny hikes call for special clothing that keeps harsh UV rays off your skin.

— Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

Definition of ray

Verb

Big batteries, which store energy when the sun isn’t shining and wind isn’t blowing, are fixing renewables’ intermittency issues.

— Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

The coach of everyone’s favorite team to adore – rowing, grinning, flowing-haired Norway – saw this coming.

— Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 7 July 2026
In reality, Platner was the Democratic-candidate equivalent of the grinning empty suit who gets the job after a handshake because the boss likes the cut of his jib.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

Definition of grin

Verb

The post also included a sweet selfie with her two younger sons, with Mateo smiling widely and Ciro making a silly face for the camera.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
The girls beamed dancing with the smiling Johnson, who honored his co-star Catherine Laga'aia (the live-action Moana) in the dance.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of smile

Verb

As Morant laughed with Donovan Clingan and slapped Shaedon Sharpe on the knees, Brooks, one of his former teammates in Memphis, stopped to catch up.

— Jason Quick, New York Times, 12 July 2026
After following Thomson to the parking lot, Neil began rocking a van, as bystanders laughed and the hapless driver tried to extract his vehicle.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026