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 book beams in from a world where the culture overlooks the professionalism and earnestness of the Beatles because Velvetmania took off in its place. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026 The living room flows into the kitchen and dining room, separated by floating walls that give the beams overhead room to breathe. — Alex Beggs, Architectural Digest, 21 Sep. 2026

Verb

Currently, spacecraft must be tasked to take images and beam them to Earth. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Moving outward, material swirling around the black hole would beam out a range of colors that would slowly make their way toward the surface. — Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam

Noun

This prominent impact crater in the southern lunar highlands, named after Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, appears as a bright spot with rays of material stretching across much of the moon's lower limb.

— Joe Rao, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Alarming object spotted by officer on TSA X-ray before bizarre twist unfolds.

— , FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of ray

Verb

There were a few fresh-off-the-runway moments that shined this week, too.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026
Outside, the sun was shining brightly, a crowd had gathered, and even Carmen Machi (who received the National Film Award at this festival) was peering out from the hotel’s rooftop.

— Amaia Odriozola, Vanity Fair, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

And then Chambliss drew the Tigers offsides not once but twice, the quarterback grinning a Cheshire grin after the second, as if LSU had fallen into his trap.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Simon suggested that the grinning idiot and horse face were laughing prior to the reading of the names of the deceased at the 9/11 memorial service.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of grin

Verb

Local baking star Colossus Bread has expanded to a full restaurant setting right by the waterfront, earning a glowing Times review.

— Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
The tool relies on a soluble liquid substitute that glows during the reaction, reducing measurement times to minutes and enabling rapid evaluation of large libraries of enzyme variants.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of glow

Verb

Charlotte reshared the post to her own Instagram Stories page while Gellar posted another snap to her Stories, in which the duo are both smiling for the camera.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Sep. 2026
Yes, smiling and giving a friendly greeting was the right thing to do here.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of smile

Verb

Trump patted Xi on the back once more, and the two men laughed, in a moment that generated outrage online.

— Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Folks come to Denver Comedy Works ready to laugh, comics say — so comedy-hungry and polite that their enthusiasm can give a performer an inflated sense of their own abilities.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026