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

Players and coaches signed the final structural beam during Wednesday’s topping-out ceremony. — John Davis, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026 However, this gets an all-new rear suspension with leaf springs; that setup allows for a greater payload than a typical torsion beam axle. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

The three spacecraft will beam lasers at each other, looking for deviations in the travel time of those laser beams as evidence for the passing of a long-wavelength gravitational wave. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Last month, Amazon also announced plans for a larger 5,000-satellite constellation capable of beaming voice and mobile data to consumer phones, including Apple devices. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam

Noun

Tycho Crater is visible in the lower region of the lunar disk close to the shadow, while bright ejecta rays of reflective material brighten the darker lunar seas, where lava solidified to form basaltic plains billions of years ago.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
The researchers also used X-rays at SLAC’s Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource to track what was happening inside the electrolyte.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ray

Verb

Fans, artists, and leaders across all industries are mourning the star whose relentless optimism, grace, and resilience was a shining light.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
The Bengals have good problems at receiver as backups shine, but there are still major questions about offensive line depth.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

But what differentiates them from some of their peers is the unyielding pace of their live shows, all of it delivered with the grinning joy of playing rock ‘n’ roll.

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
In one photo, the family of four posed together on the beach with Sybil sporting a playful pout while the rest of the bunch grinned.

— Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of grin

Verb

For a bold and vibrant fall hair transformation, consider colors with warm tones that add depth and glow to your look.

— Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026
On Broadway, these glow like amber beacons, alas offering a respite from the darkness that best serves what Holloway and Barrett are trying to do.

— Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of glow

Verb

Carlile is having a total blast smiling and bopping through it, and bandmates Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby’s harmonies are divine.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Brin, by contrast, seemed to enjoy the attention, turning in his seat to smile at the press photographers behind him, a person who was there recounts to me.

— Sylvia Varnham O’Regan, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of smile

Verb

The two ended up walking away laughing, and Luiz’s grin rode right into the next conversation, drill or interaction with anyone on the field.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
As Buddy Crane, a buffoonish, overconfident opposing counsel who works in house for Acme, John Cena relishes his role just as much as Buddy relishes laughing at Kevin.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026