belay

verb

Definition of belaynext
as in to fasten
to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure The climber belayed the rope.

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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 belay The ship’s resting place deep underwater helped preserve key features, like bow clamps and belaying pins, by limiting the growth of invasive quagga mussels, as noted in the release. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Drinking should happen after you’re done belaying for the day. — Outside Editors, Outside Online, 3 July 2025 So the climbers who found the elk helped rig him up to belay the creature to the base of the wall, officials said. — Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025 Born as a design concept to give climbers a shoe to wear for quick access to the crag, comfort when belaying and recovery after a climb, the Kragg fills a need. — Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for belay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belay
  1. fasten
  2. tie
  3. clip
  4. clinch
  5. pin
  6. clench
  7. strap
Verb
  • At the textile factory, Periyasaamy was folding and packing aprons with a GoPro fastened to her head.
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Whitney did her own makeup, put on her Nike Cortez sneakers, and fastened an ivory bandana around her head.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of fasten
Verb
  • Sills said that a boater found Williams' empty boat tied to a railroad trestle close to Haslam's Marina on Wednesday morning.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Brewers hit 154 home runs this season, tied for the second-fewest in the majors.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of tie
Verb
  • Their participation builds your credibility by association and recordings can be clipped into social content that extends your reach, especially when guests share it too.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • TikTok hosts similar footage, albeit clipped for vertical video and treated with title cards.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of clip
Verb
  • The Daily Mail reports some major catfighting went on backstage, with many participants green with envy assuming that momager Kris Jenner clinched the deal.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
  • And if Seattle draws or wins, a Current draw or win would similarly clinch a playoff spot this weekend.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of clinch
Verb
  • Many symptoms can be tough to pin specifically to MS, Kurz pointed out — for instance cognitive dysfunction and fatigue are common in a lot of autoimmune conditions.
    — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026
  • There are so many over-the-top displays across the borough that locals formed a group called Staten Island Haunted Houses to pin them on a custom Google map.
    — Fiorella Valdesolo, Curbed, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of pin
Verb
  • Parents rushing to a reunification center, hearts clenched with the hope of finding their children among the survivors.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • On the second, more attentive read, my toes and fingers started to clench.
    — Andrew Lipstein, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of clench
Verb
  • Perhaps a nice little ride to strap to the back of your truck and go places?
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Until then, Hill will keep his workouts going and wait for the chance to strap on pads and start playing in the NFL once again – that is if a team wants his services in 2026.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of strap

Browse Nearby Words

belauds
belay
belayed
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Cite this Entry

“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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