beam 1 of 2

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
Rough-hewn reclaimed wood beams, varying door heights, and intentionally mismatched vintage hardware create an authenticity often lacking in new construction. Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2025 This divides the beam into pixels and only dips the LEDs directly pointed at oncoming traffic or a vehicle directly in front. James Morris, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
The road to relapse: Crystal Quigley, 39 Crystal Quigley was beaming with hope and pride when CNN met her in September 2023. 03:36 Crystal Quigley’s substance use started with meth and heroin well over a decade ago. Kate Bolduan, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025 The Big3 started in 2017, and Cube is beaming with pride as his league prepares for its eighth season (the Big3 didn’t have a season in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic). Jason Jones, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam
Noun
  • Her daughter Cécile carries on—an energetic, charming and focused ray of determination.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The first rays of sun can be seen, and birds are chirping.
    Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Varada Sethu shines as the Doctor’s new companion, Belinda Chandra.
    Scott Bryan, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
  • If the first season explored Hawaii, the second season shone a light on Sicily, and the third season doubled as a tour of Thailand, the fourth season will no doubt embed its viewers in another glamorous, intriguing locale.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Edholm says, bundled up and grinning through the ice.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Zion, who moments before was ducking into the water, bullets whistling by, now grinning ear to ear.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many Athleta customers have shared glowing reviews of how this fared on trips.
    Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Smoke blew around the crater with weak to moderate pressure and firelight was seen at the peak, indicating that the glowing volcanic material was at a shallow depth.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But the psytrance was created for sharing, for smiling, for the kids, for the soul.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Harry, the Duke of Sussex, arrived smiling and waving for the two-day hearing in front of three senior appeal court judges, and listened intently as the case got underway in a packed courtroom, occasionally scribbling messages to his legal team.
    Michael Holden and Sam Tobin, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Bean could be heard laughing at him from inside the classroom, the affidavits state.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In another photo, he could be seen standing up fully and laughing while holding a golf club in his hand.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Beam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beam. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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