beat 1 of 3

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as in to throb
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner the patient's heart beats roughly 60 times per minute

Synonyms & Similar Words

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beat

2 of 3

noun

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as in pulse
a rhythmic expanding and contracting a single beat of the heart is said to be all that separates the vice president from the presidency

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in rhythm
the recurrent pattern formed by a series of sounds having a regular rise and fall in intensity moved to the beat of the music

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

beat

3 of 3

adjective

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 beat
Verb
Add in risk factors like smoking, obesity, and family history, and pancreatic cancer becomes a tough opponent to beat. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025 The Mustangs hung with California power Crean Lutheran for three quarters in their season opener, then beat Castle View 30-13 a week later behind a salty defensive effort. Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
Samirah, the central performer, entrances Billie—her lyrics punching over vibrating beats, her voice gritty and sultry. Lauren Morrow september 9, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025 His voice took a few beats to settle, but in the meantime who wouldn’t be captivated by Martin’s joyful skips, knee bends, winks and grins? Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Those submissions—we’ve received thousands since this list first launched—are then analyzed and supplemented by reporting from beat journalists at Forbes and Know Your Value. Maggie McGrath, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 In a miracle from the beat gods, workers on site were able to clear out the piles of debris and construct a new stage to host the fest’s headliners overnight, giving Nervo, Axwell, Martin Garrix, Alok and others a place to perform on night one. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for beat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beat
Verb
  • That could look like gliding your fingers down them, kissing, licking, or gently biting those areas.
    Essence, Essence, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Go from the base to the tip with your tongue, kiss it, lick it and remember most of us have difficulties cumming just with oral.
    Ian Kumamoto, Them., 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 2023-24, Jones had a career year for the Mavericks, who were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Employee health costs are likely to surpass $5,000 next year as companies see their biggest cost increases in at least five years, according to projections from Aon.
    Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • During their 27-18 victory over the Commanders at Lambeau Field, however, the Packers surpassed Parsons’ best-case scenario.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Even with a relatively small sample size, the anomaly stuck out like a giant, red, throbbing sore thumb — a favorite gag in animation.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Portugal’s coastline throbs with beach goers and sports enthusiasts.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Later, Tom pours vodka into a Phillies cup and watches birds flutter by at night while Robbie gets his guns ready and shakes down a trap house.
    Grace Byron, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In the Lower West Side of Chicago, music blared and green, white and red flags fluttered down the streets of the predominantly Latino Pilsen neighborhood on Saturday as crowds gathered for the start of Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ciccone was frustrated to find research was largely focused on boys.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • It’s left supporters on Capitol Hill delighted, frustrated, or wondering what’s next.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races The only governor's races in the country this year are in Virginia and New Jersey and are drawing national attention, heavy outside spending, and interest as early indicators for how the 2026 midterms could shake out.
    Grace Sandman, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • How Designers Are Modernizing History While these wallpapers draw from history, today’s designers are giving them new life.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the headphones, meant to unify the audience in a shared soundscape, instead isolate viewers into their glowing silos, which feels like an ironic choice for a show supposedly about communal grief.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • As the glowing waning gibbous moon rose over center field, the Red Sox went quietly into the night one last time in the bottom of the ninth.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Beat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beat. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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