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

With a beam of roughly 42 feet, the cat offers generous living quarters. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2026 After Chicago, the beam will make five more stops before completing its loop of the country in New York. — Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Verb

Environmental activists aren’t giving up on trying to shut down a controversial satellite that will use a giant mirror to beam sunlight to the Earth at night. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026 Inside Billy’s private movie theater, the projector beams down on the back of Anderson’s head like that infamous Nicole Kidman AMC promo. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam

Noun

For example, a rating of UPF 50+ is said to block at least 90% of UV rays.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday evening that X-rays taken at Levi’s Stadium did not show a fracture but that because Rourke was having difficulty breathing regularly, the team took him to a local hospital as a precaution.

— Matt Barrows, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of ray

Verb

When the moon starts to cross in front of the sun, the star’s rays will shine around valleys on the moon’s horizon, creating glowing drops of light around the moon called Baily’s beads.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
In a matchup between struggling lineups, both starting pitchers shined.

— CBS New York Team, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

Her celebrity status was on the rise through the 1990s — she was photographed grinning with Rosie O’Donnell and Bette Midler at an A-list Halloween bash in New York City in 1998.

— Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
In 2014, Josh Brolin appeared in Hall H, slipped on the Infinity Gauntlet, and grinned.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of grin

Verb

My mom pulled off something incredible by facilitating this surprise, this gift, and Justin and I started laughing out of pure bliss.

— Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
The Tonight Show audience laughed before Scott was asked about his daughter’s reaction to the lesson.

— Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026