BELAY Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

belay

verb

Definition of belay

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

Verb

The best way for passengers to reduce their risk of injury is to follow crew instructions and keep their seat belts fastened when directed.

— Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
On the rocks below, instructors help complete beginners fasten their harnesses, chalk their hands and search for the next hold on the granite wall.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026

Definition of fasten

Verb

The game remained tied after regulation and headed to extra time, when Bellingham, once again, came to the rescue for the Three Lions.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
After Ohtani hit his 21st homer of the season, Andy Pages hit a tying 419-foot blast to left-center for his 17th homer.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

All of my essentials are packed in my Stowaway, which clips into my weekender as a bag organizer, and can clip out to be worn on its own as a crossbody when walking around during the day or as a clutch when going out in the evening.

— Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 16 July 2026
He was arrested crossing the border from Mexico into Texas in September 1981, according to a news clipping from the Chicago Tribune.

— Doha Madani, NBC news, 16 July 2026

Definition of clip

Verb

The loose ball ended up with Desire Doue, who attempted a shot outside the box, but Simon was able to recover and turn France away to clinch the match.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Spain clinched a berth to the final Tuesday by smothering France 2-0 at AT&T Stadium, running its unbeaten streak to 37 games while eliminating a team that had run roughshod through the tournament.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

Definition of clinch

Verb

Today, as one of the highest-profile footballers in the world game and City’s star player, Haaland has grown too shrewd to pin his colours to any one mast.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Spotify unveiled an update that allows users to pin up to 20 playlists, albums, artists, podcasts and audiobooks to the top of their profile library.

— Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of pin

Verb

At the final whistle, Mbappe clenched his fists and appeared to look the other way as Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill sought a handshake.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
The White House Key Facts A rendering of the passport shared by the White House on Friday shows Trump presumably leaning over the Resolute Desk, fists clenched, alongside his signature and text from the Declaration of Independence.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of clench

Verb

Outside Delhi, a 32-year-old garment maker identified as Lalita says her factory now requires everyone to strap a GoPro camera to their heads at the start of each shift.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 1 July 2026
Invisible hands strap her legs onto the stirrups, an iron fist plunging her through a tunneling, gravity‑bending, black underground.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026

Definition of strap

Browse Nearby Words

belauds

belay

belayed

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Style

“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of belay

verb

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