beams 1 of 2

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

Relevance

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
The beams, in a 32-story project at 222 Broadway expected to yield nearly 800 apartment units, had been wrapped in steel as a makeshift fix, the agency said. Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 Yuri was able to gain more ceiling height by taking away the sheetrock and exposing the ceiling beams. Jennifer Fernandez, Architectural Digest, 30 July 2026 One of the roofs was completely uplifted, including the support beams. Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 29 July 2026 Their satellites’ beams will span at least five kilometres on Earth’s surface. Chris Young july 28, Refractor, 28 July 2026 However, the big story here is the popularity of beams as an exterior accent. Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Multibeam’s approach uses multiple electron beams operating simultaneously, increasing throughput while maintaining the precision needed for advanced semiconductor fabrication. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026 Dax Poprawski, whose relatives work in the business, was sorry to see that the track had been reduced to a skeleton of itself, with rusting, exposed steel beams and weeds growing around it. Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026 In Galecki’s home, wood beams and columns recall its log cabin roots. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
Verb
SpaceX has told European officials that the proposal threatens to worsen Starlink Mobile service, which beams data to phones, including those in Ukraine. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 July 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 Footage of giant yellow black-eyed Susan flowers beams onto the wall from one projector, intersecting with video of swaying plants from another. Solvej Schou, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026 Einbinder looks lovingly over at her costar, who beams back at her. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026 Wade beams as his children describe their meal. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026 Now there’s Hoppers, the latest blockbuster Pixar film, which follows a girl who beams her brain into a beaver robot in the hope of saving a beloved habitat. David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beams
Noun
  • But the blustery autumn wind is no substitute for the cozy rays of a summer sun.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
  • Opt For Sunglasses Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement—they’re critical to keeping your eyes safe from UV rays.
    Health Editorial Team, Health, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Edinburgh, a city of dramatic landscapes and rich culture, shines during its renowned August festivals, transforming into a global stage for arts and culinary delights.
    Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • The store also offers tailoring and alterations, shoe shines, monogramming, engraving, eyebrow waxing and so much more.
    New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Schoenaerts menacingly grins his way through the movie, with appealingly bulging eyes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
  • Fatima grins, before rejoining the rest of the girls' team for one-on-one drills.
    Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Think golden butter blondes, radiant warm ambers, and deep brunettes with seamless dimension that glows.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 July 2026
  • This painstakingly restored 4K version looks and sounds gorgeous; cinematographer Dante Spinotti’s work glows with saturated vibrancy, and Michel Rubini and the Reds’ score vibrates on a spooky synth frequency.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Ashley Graham smiles for the cameras while leaving the Lucci Lambrusco Meet and Greet and bottle signing event in Philadelphia on July 31.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The rapper smiles and gladly poses for a photo with the fan, asks his name, and thanks him for his support.
    Sam Davies, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Lacy laughs about it now, as a consequence of just how haywire that time was — for him, and everyone.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
  • Mensah laughs at getting tiebreaker changed Last year, Darian Mensah led Duke to its first ACC title since 1989.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beams.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beams. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on beams

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!