beam 1 of 2

Definition of beamnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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beam

2 of 2

verb

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 Egg Nebula, so-named for its yolk (the star) surrounded by egg white (clouds of dust and gas), is extraordinarily dynamic, with twin beams of light punching through a series of rippling arcs. Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026 Those thoughts had made her beam. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
In the Super Bowl spot, Shatner is tasked with bringing fiber to the masses, beaming to and from different locations on Earth to deliver boxes of Raisin Bran. Sarah Whitten,sara Salinas,sarah Jackson,leslie Josephs, CNBC, 8 Feb. 2026 Aetherflux, a startup that was initially all about beaming down solar power from space, now intends to make a data center node in orbit available for commercial use early next year. New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam
Noun
  • Virtual Colonoscopy This procedure uses X-rays and CT scans to take images of the entire colon.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Second, there are the dual searchlight-like rays emerging from both sides of this nebula.
    Big Think, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Massie’s comments shined a new spotlight on Les Wexner, the former owner of Victoria’s Secret, who is one of the most mysterious figures in Epstein’s orbit – a key player in helping the financier’s rise to extreme wealth, whose motivations and ties to Epstein have long been a source of speculation.
    Curt Devine, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Their commitment to entrepreneurship in service of community reflects FIT’s own core values and is a shining example for our students and beyond.
    Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Processions of awestruck people from all over the world—selfie-taking women in saris, chatty Mexican children, grinning Hare Krishna—marched along a paved path, heads craned upward toward the water.
    Alice Gregory, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Mamdani grinned puckishly recalling his mother’s interest in academic achievement.
    Rebecca Traister, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That leads to high temperatures, which create a glowing protostar due to the rapid (kinetic) motion of the internal gas particles, and eventually, after a few tens of millions of years, the core temperatures rise high enough (above 4 million K or so) that nuclear fusion of hydrogen begins.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Now imagine the same with some of those teary eyes angled down toward glowing screens, while others frame the bride with their phones.
    Nikita Khanna, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Busch has gotten good at smiling through such a nuisance, just like how Rory McIlroy became adept at politicking through questions about The Masters until that script flipped last year.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Feb. 2026
  • In the previously unseen black-and-white image, photographed outside, a bearded Will, 43, and Kate, 44, smile broadly and wear matching neutral sweaters layered over button-front shirts.
    Kim Willis, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Dylan stuck out his tongue in gleeful celebration of only his second basket in the semifinal, and their famous father laughed heartily at courtside.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • James shook his head and laughed recalling those moments.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Beam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beam. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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