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
In the old days beggars were drawn and quartered in that square. — George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025 In Havana, beggars are ubiquitous. — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
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
  • Per usual with movies like this, spelling out the terror (the roots are in hobo codes and religious legend) becomes, regrettably, a shock absorber, not a facilitator.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
  • Schneider plays David, a reticent young man with the soulful-hobo air of a Beat poet, who makes a living as an events photographer but whose private passion is a secretive lifelong project, inherited from his father, documenting the changing Parisian suburbs.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 18 May 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
  • Throughout much of Buddhist history, and particularly in Theravada Buddhist contexts, mindfulness and its associated meditation methods have been the purview of mendicants (monks and nuns), who used mindfulness meditation to achieve trance states (jhana) leading to nirvana.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 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
  • Some worry about robots replacing human jobs, even panhandlers.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Cops have released photos of a suspect wanted for gunning down a panhandler inside a Manhattan 7-Eleven last week, in hopes someone recognizes him.
    — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
Definition of panhandler
Verb
  • Unless homeowners opt out individually by July 16, more than 200,000 Jackson County households will become part of the lawsuit class seeking a direct one-time refund of overpayments, which some have warned could bankrupt the county.
    — Ilana Arougheti July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
  • Richard Stockton, a lawyer who signed the declaration was captured, starved, and nearly bankrupted by the British.
    — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of bankrupt
Noun
  • Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Designed with a plunging neckline, modest bum coverage, and compressive fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, the elegant silhouette offers rich-girl vacation energy that could easily double as a bodysuit with shorts.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 20 June 2026
Definition of bum
Verb
  • Instead of fighting with Whitney, Lindsay has a talk with Yvonne about how Lindsay ruined Yvonne’s wedding by making it all about her.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 July 2026
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of beggar for Spanish Speakers

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