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

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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
The receiver can self-calibrate, detect weak signals with high accuracy, and operate invisibly, all using beams of light. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 This change allowed researchers to better fine-tune the beams to their targets. Richard J. Price, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 Where to Eat and Drink Located on Main Street, Putney Diner serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a cozy space decorated with warm colors, wooden beams, and a fireplace. Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 Its six LEDs combine three narrow beams with three wide ones at a 23-degree angle, casting a 1,300-lumen punch that lights up about 390 feet (120 m) downrange while still keeping your peripheral lit. Joe Salas october 09, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2025 Tuhkuri said that Endurance had weaker pine deck beams and oak and pine frames than other comparable ships of the time. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025 The deck beams and frames were weaker than those of other Arctic ships made during that era, the study concludes. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025 The vessel had been ice-locked since January in the Weddell Sea, and by October’s end, the ice had torn off the rudder, ripped the keel, broken the deck beams in the engine room and punched holes in the sides of the boat. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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
  • With the blue dress inspired by X-rays, Hawley explains the dress was going to be worn during an evening candlelight scene.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The instrument, which weighs four tons, will be installed in early 2026 to measure X-rays emitted from the plasma.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Every ingredient at Tacos Oaxaca shines in its own way.
    Natalie Hoy, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The bankruptcy shines a spotlight on how millions of Americans are hurting from the high cost of living and sluggish job market.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Panahi grins when moments of physical comedy land.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Patrick grins at the camera from behind the 14-time Grammy winner, while Brown and his wife, musician Katelyn Jae, stand toward the left.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the endless daylight of the Arctic summer, the tapetum lucidum, a mirror-like layer behind the retina, glows golden, reflecting light efficiently to prevent overexposure.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Under federal law, trunks of cars built after 2002 are required to contain a mechanical release lever inside the trunk that is easy to find and glows in the dark.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lo sets the phone down and smiles just before the credits start to roll.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Maggie also smiles tolerantly when Hank keeps his hand on her knee for a few beats too many, or leans in close during chats.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Our lyrics are meant to be easy to remember and understand — without being totally dumb either, which, let’s face it, happens a lot in electronic music [laughs].
    Alma Rota, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
  • In response, the Marvel star just laughs.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Beams.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beams. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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