beams 1 of 2

Definition of beamsnext
plural of beam
as in rays
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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beams

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of beam

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 beams
Noun
These tiny emitters resemble miniature ski jumps that launch beams of light into free space. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026 Vaulted ceilings and exposed timber beams define the open-concept living spaces. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2026 On Wednesday, astronomer and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell reported that a large collection of Starlink satellites has been descending, cutting the distance for the satellite beams to reach Earth. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026 These objects can blast beams of radiation from their poles that sweep across the universe like light from a cosmic lighthouse. Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2026 With its sweeping curved beams and canvas canopy, the main lodge blends into the surroundings. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026 Traditional details like wooden ceiling beams, stone accents, and Mediterranean tilework give the space a sense of history and authenticity. Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026 The beams would be far brighter than the full moon and, even if carefully pointed, would scatter in the atmosphere to be very bright off-beam, disrupting wildlife and effectively destroying the sky’s remaining natural beauty by erasing the stars from our sight. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2026 Named after Austrian engineer Josef Melan, the design, which allowed for faster construction, incorporated arched steel beams supporting concrete arches that supported the bridge’s structure. IndyStar, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
Based on research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the device beams patients with gamma frequency light and sound for an hour a day. Mario Aguilar, STAT, 5 Mar. 2026 The room beams casual charm — plants, light woods, abstract prints on the wall to add color, a communal table and a toddler-size rocking chair among a couple Eames-style loungers — and couldn’t hold many more people. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026 The characters’ spoken language is unfamiliar, but passionate, and the performances are driven by pure intent that beams through their heavy prosthetics. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 The same cousin now beams about ChatGPT. Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025 This imager beams a monochrome green image directly to your eye, with a level of light dim enough to be safe but bright enough to be seen against ambient light. IEEE Spectrum, 13 Nov. 2025 This estimates the bike's position and mass in real time, and beams that to the rider aids for more precise cornering ABS and wheelie control intervention so the bike can hold a tight line. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2025 Someone who beams when an expert tastes her homemade apple butter and genuinely enjoys it. Erin Hill, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beams
Noun
  • In the distance, rays of light danced off Pure Amazon.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026
  • This Quince 100% Organic Cotton Poplin Long-sleeve Shirt is lightweight yet crisp, ideal for a cool spring day or the hot summer sun’s rays.
    Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Forchhammer tells the story of the collective where the individual never shines.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Nettspend’s music shines in its experimental corners, where the chaos briefly resolves into something more intentional.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The suspect in a stabbing in Edinburgh, Scotland, grins out a window before his arrest, March 2, 2026.
    Lindsay Quella, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Ryan grins down, then kisses him.
    Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Soft light glows over a dining room that seats roughly 40.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Green fluorescent protein, first isolated from a jellyfish, glows bright green when under a blue light.
    Marc Zimmer, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Fortune rarely smiles twice on the same backside.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Fortune smiles upon you as Mercury and Jupiter harmonize.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Tony Benna, listening on the same Zoom call, laughs at the story.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Jean Franklin, center, laughs with her sons, Louis (right) and Charlie, and Charlie's girlfriend, Masha Billingsley.
    Christine Mai-Duc, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beams.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beams. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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