beggar 1 of 2

noun

ˈbe-gər How to pronounce beggar (audio)
Definition of beggarnext
as in hobo
a person who lives by public begging the pitiful beggars that are such a common sight in underdeveloped countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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beggar

2 of 2

verb

as in to pauperize

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 beggar
Noun
Home at Last Odysseus returned to Ithaca 20 years after his initial departure, disguised as a beggar. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026 In Homer’s Odyssey, Athena magically disguises Odysseus as an elderly man upon his return to Ithaca, rather than Odysseus simply dressing himself as a beggar. — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Verb
Ria eventually uncovers a nefarious plot that beggars even euphemistic description in a spoiler-free universe. — Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2023 Iraq entered a long, grueling period of international sanctions that beggared its once robust middle class. — New York Times, 31 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for beggar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beggar
  1. hobo
  2. pauperize
  3. mendicant
  4. impoverish
  5. panhandler
  6. bankrupt
  7. bum
  8. ruin
Noun
  • Moving Indoors in the Cold Spiders such as cellar spiders, wolf spiders, and hobo spiders move indoors as the weather cools—just like many other insects.
    — Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 23 Oct. 2026
  • That deal includes handbags, fashion backpacks, hobos, totes, crossbody bags, sling bags, satchels, duffel bags and boot bags, along with belts, wallets, wristlets, passport cases and key chains.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of hobo
Verb
  • Ironically, in Cuba, a country pauperized by a Marxist model for the past 61 years, there is a growing public cry demanding change.
    — Otto Reich, National Review, 8 Apr. 2020
Definition of pauperize
Noun
  • In his absence Ravana, disguised as a religious mendicant, approaches Sita and abducts her.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • An internationally famous leader who lived a mendicant’s life.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of mendicant
Verb
  • There are some people who believe that new residents impoverish and take away from our quality of life and our schools.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
  • At the same time, serving your nation shouldn’t impoverish you or prevent your spouse or children from having a career or saving for retirement.
    — Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026
Definition of impoverish
Noun
  • The 300 block of East Trade Street is frequented by patrons of public transportation, panhandlers and the thousands of fans attending events at the Spectrum Center.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Some worry about robots replacing human jobs, even panhandlers.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of panhandler
Verb
  • In my view, the Republican regime is bankrupting us with nothing to show for it.
    — Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • On the podcast, Uthmeier said the lawsuit could bankrupt the group if the state wins.
    — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of bankrupt
Noun
  • Zellers poured the foundation, and Morrison hired fellow ski bums to do the framing, masonry, and tiling.
    — Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Carl Sandburg’s 1927 American Songbag featured a whole section of hobo songs presenting the bum as a beau ideal.
    — Caroline Fraser, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of bum
Verb
  • Someone else even complained about the self-clean feature ruining their appliance.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Unless someone caught the problem in time, the heat ruined the food before anyone had a chance to salvage it.
    — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of ruin

Browse Nearby Words

beg (for)
beggar
beggared
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Cite this Entry

“Beggar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beggar. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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