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 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 As Telemachus reminds us, the Greeks honor Zeus’ law because even a humble beggar could be a god in disguise. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 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
  • Most bestsellers, including the Cyme tote and Numéro Neuf, sit between 340 and 590 euros, with the new Shuldo hobo at 640 euros.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • Chanel walked several burgundy options down the runway, from their flap bag to a chic hobo bag.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 31 July 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
  • Sometimes the very entities owning these hospitals and nursing homes are purposely bankrupting them, pillaging them of their value to maximize the owners’ profits.
    — Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Tarwater has warned that the class-action lawsuit currently pending against Jackson County — with a settlement class including 200,000 homeowners — could bankrupt the county if paid out.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Definition of bankrupt
Noun
  • For families Apart from the family-sized villa estates and kid-friendly menus, Nihi has a host of activities that will please even the youngest beach bums.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
  • And for any bum stuff Ted might want confidentially looked at.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of bum
Verb
  • Campione said her campaign was focused on protecting rural lands from being annexed into cities for rural subdivisions and stopping activities that could ruin water quality or override property rights.
    — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But the mellow vibes are ruined when a goofy case of mistaken identity results in Frankie coming home with a briefcase containing several vials of a glowing orange goo.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of beggar for Spanish Speakers

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