beckoned

Definition of beckonednext
past tense of beckon
as in motioned
to direct or notify by a movement or gesture beckoned the bashful child to come closer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 beckoned Recently, a regular came into the shop and shared a story about how Judy once beckoned him into the store. Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Mar. 2026 Dorsoduro’s lights beckoned to us from across the lagoon every evening. Vic O'Sullivan, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026 There’s no better way to unwind than to connect with nature, especially if that involves being in the mountains, which have beckoned centuries of travelers to experience a slower pace. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026 The board beckoned Iger back in November 2022 to quell a revolt by senior Disney executives and allay concerns among investors. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 An academic career beckoned back home in Dublin, but the twenty-four-year-old apprentice writer was eager to forge a more artistic path. Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026 Piles of organic and locally sourced produce, from delicata squash to Japanese sweet potatoes, beckoned, as did prepared foods like sushi, fig turkey sandwiches, and cups of parfait cookies and cream. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026 Some of us headed off to bed; for others, another movie beckoned. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026 As the minutes ticked by, Avalos was beckoned by advocates to deal with the minutiae of legal immigration. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beckoned
Verb
  • On the other end of the court, Bulls coach Billy Donovan motioned for a timeout the moment the whistle blew.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
  • That’s when Washington’s Department of Health motioned for and received an Order of Default against Montano.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The refs by the way did not assess a technical foul to KU for trying to start six players since Williams waved the walkons off before the actual tip.
    Gary Bedore March 4, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Trump waved away both resolutions with a presidential veto.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As the deep bass from the DJ’s techno beats shook cups of cocktail sauce on a nearby table, Koc, a software engineer by day, gestured to the hundreds of OpenClaw disciples on the dance floor and argued that the excitement was more than just a passing fad.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Some gestured at something like corporate protest; others blamed an unaffordable city.
    Nora DeLigter, Curbed, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beckoned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beckoned. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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