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
Elsewhere in the hotel, the look is rustic and Mediterranean, combining traditional elements like wooden ceiling beams, elegant canopies draped over king-size beds, and carpets made of natural fibers. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026 The researchers used focused ion beams to mill the QR code onto the ceramic film, with individual pixels measuring just 49 nanometers each. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2026 The beautiful green backsplash is framed by thick wooden beams and open shelving; the light plays off each soft green tile, illuminating the space. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026 Extendable or telescoping hoses are great for reaching high-up spots, like banisters and beams. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 The closure will give officials time to install new beams for a railroad bridge replacement related to the Mill Creek Expressway. Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2026 The rectennas would receive microwave beams transmitted from satellites in geostationary orbit and convert them directly into grid-ready electricity. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026 The beams holding up the room were rotten, and had to be replaced or the room was eventually going to give way underneath. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026 The Egg Nebula, so-named for its yolk (the star) surrounded by egg white (clouds of dust and gas), is extraordinarily dynamic, with twin beams of light punching through a series of rippling arcs. Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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
  • Finally, the western horizon needs to be perfectly clear at sunset to allow the sun’s rays to hit the cliff face.
    Owen Clarke, Outside, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Melbourne, Australia — An ungainly barrel of a shark cruising languidly over a barren seabed far too deep for the sun's rays to illuminate was an unexpected sight.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The domed crystal here is a callback to vintage dive watches with luminescent Radiomir dials made for the Italian Navy; the PAM01729 offers up a bit of glow, too, with beige Super-LumiNova that shines green in the dark.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, this is a tale of love, friendship, and identity.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Ryan grins down, then kisses him.
    Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
  • This was an emotional and physical meat grinder of a contest, though the first-year Hornets mentor was all grins afterward.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In San Francisco, Chinatown glows with lanterns, pop‑up performances, and bustling markets as the city builds toward its iconic Chinese New Year Parade on March 7 — one of the largest outside Asia.
    James Ward, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Your 5th House of Creativity glows with a Solar Eclipse, inviting playful expression and heartfelt risk that helps love and artistry feel alive again.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • His face remains an ever-changing canvas of knowing looks, shifting eyes, and sly smiles, and his comedic timing is sharp as ever.
    Laura Bradley, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Brinley, 4, smiles and sends hearts back.
    Sydney Page, Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But when the players make plans, Alan Cumming laughs — so even though Rob is particularly well positioned, there’s still plenty of time for things to go left.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Robbie laughs, despite likely having heard the story before.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beams.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beams. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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