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

Whether for people, wildlife or astronomical observatories, the beam from this single test satellite is far from innocuous. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 July 2026 Friday so that work crews can deliver and erect bridge beams, according to the Florida Department of Transportation and the city of Miami. — Howard Cohen july 15, Miami Herald, 15 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

The ingredient, which has been used in Europe and other countries for years, provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

— Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
The style is hard-working in the heat, featuring the brand’s Omni-Shade UPF 50 to protect against harsh UVA and UVB rays that cause wrinkles and sunburn, respectively.

— Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Definition of ray

Verb

Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.

— Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
There’s nothing like it—the sun shining, a warm breeze tussling your hair, waves rushing onto the shore, and breathing in the fresh, salty air.

— Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 14 July 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

In the winning clubhouse Sunday afternoon, White Sox prospect Caleb Bonemer couldn’t stop grinning.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026
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

Definition of grin

Verb

On warm Carolina nights in Steele Creek, string lights glow overhead and oldies drift through the speakers.

— Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
The spa, wrapped in glowing green marble, offers a peaceful escape where therapists personalize treatments using blends of Biologique Recherche products.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Definition of glow

Verb

Someone who’s excited will often smile, make eye contact or lean in.

— Anna Goldfarb, CNBC, 14 July 2026
His statement included a smiling picture of the senator with his wife Elaine Chao, a tacit response to speculation online that McConnell had died or was incapacitated.

— Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 13 July 2026