beckoned

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 For most of the twentieth century, more people were leaving Italy than coming, beckoned by economic opportunities in the Americas and elsewhere. Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 30 May 2026 Merging resortwear with sensuality and sinuous lines, the look beckoned the forthcoming summer season. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 And a sweet echo coming so soon after the Bruins women’s basketball team won its first NCAA championship, history to which Grant also contributed as a reserve before softball beckoned. Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026 In addition to a walk-in shower, a large standalone bathtub beckoned from the center of the room. Rebekah Peppler, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026 At the end of the performance, Stapleton beckoned the talk-show host over and handed him a glass of whiskey. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2026 Encounters with whales, dolphins and penguins awaited; landscapes of icy expanses, towering cliffs and rolling green hills beckoned. Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 The neon lights on Wrigley beckoned every Cubbies fan to gather in brotherhood and share one of America’s greatest experiences — baseball. Charleen Richey, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 The World's Wonder View Tower in Genoa, a six-story concrete structure that has beckoned travelers along what is now Interstate 70 for nearly 100 years, is reopening after a 10-year renovation. Kevin Strong, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beckoned
Verb
  • The regular working-class crew heading home for the day filed onto her bus when a supervisor popped by the front door and motioned to two teen girls.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026
  • The attributes and their sustainability motioned toward a dynasty.
    Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Sure, a lot of the mistakes or poor moments in defense can be waved away by recognizing that most of the team’s best defenders were sitting on the bench when the Turks wheeled away in delight with Ayhan’s goal.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Many wore red, white, and blue and waved small American flags.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Jay turned to admonish one of his assistants, who gestured over his shoulder.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Gray shook his head in mock frustration and gestured at his phone as the call went to Johansson’s voicemail.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beckoned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beckoned. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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