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 filmmakers cut freely and rapidly among the duo’s poses, their stumbles, their fears, their tightrope walks across precarious beams in the sky. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 July 2026 In the evening, the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show will draw thousands of eyes upward as 85,000 shells are launched from six barges and a laser show beams up from the Brooklyn Bridge. ABC News, 1 July 2026
Verb
Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson slept here, as did Shirley Temple and Louis Armstrong, and in 2017 the bat signal was beamed onto its facade to mark the death of Walla Walla’s own Adam West, television's Batman. Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Octavia Spencer beams from ear to ear at the Ride Or Die special screening in London on June 22. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam
Noun
  • Think of it as skincare in disguise, locking in at least 12 hours of moisture while shielding you from harmful UV rays.
    Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • And because the Southern Hemisphere gets closer to the sun, those UV rays feel hotter and harsher than ever.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
  • But good things tend to happen for the Phillies when Schwarber shines — and the second half isn’t even here yet.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • In the selfie video, Valentina grinned into the camera wearing a gold choker and gold hoops as her mother hugged her from behind.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 30 June 2026
  • The images are of snow-heavy trees, a chairlift overhead, and Kerstin grinning with ski goggles lifted.
    William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The glowing ribbon of the Milky Way tumbles directly through this cosmic triangle before arcing towards the southern horizon, though its diffuse light will be hidden behind a veil of moonlight on the night of the full moon.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026
  • Nobody writes a glowing reference for the person who stole their idea.
    Jason Walker PsyD, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Waving and smiling, Aveiro, accompanied by a burly gentleman, takes a seat at a table bedecked with a bouquet of roses, ready to tuck into some cuisine from her native country.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Swift shared a glimpse of the fun on Instagram by posting some Polaroids of them laughing, hugging and enjoying red, white and blue Popsicles.
    Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • England would be a laughing stock (and already home) without him.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Cite this Entry

“Beam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beam. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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