as in to fasten
to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure
The climber belayed the rope.
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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
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
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The hardware gave the sandal most of its shape from the front, with each strap fastened by a large angular buckle that mirrored Bottega Veneta’s initials while nodding to the geometry that runs through the house’s intrecciato weaving.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
1 June 2026
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The battery itself is housed in a box that’s fastened to a spine frame connecting the swingarm and motor to the headstock.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Often the jokes are tied to an upcoming holiday or event.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
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Yeah Gluten Free, a bakery that specializes in gluten-free pastries, will host a pop-up inside the Atlanta Daily World Building in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood as part of an activation tied to the World Cup, according to a news release.—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
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The cyclist swerved to avoid the door but still clipped it and was thrown to the street, sources said.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
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Dull blades, by contrast, tear the grass blades and make a mess of clipping distribution.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Professionally, the 28-year-old had followed up clinching the Premier League title with Liverpool by helping Portugal win the Nations League.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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Price benchmarking, destination marketing and demand forecasting are all efforts focused on optimizing that initial phase of clinching a transaction.—
Juan Pablo Lafosse,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Played by Michelle Williams at her most tremulous, this Marilyn is something like a butterfly that Hollywood wants to pin to a board and display.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
1 June 2026
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The impact from the crash led the Chevrolet van to pin the man up against the Land Rover.—
Marcella Baietto,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Essentially, just clench your butt cheeks.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
29 May 2026
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While not everyone experiences such dramatic effects, experts say stress, clenching and even past trauma can contribute to TMJ issues.—
Nicole Bennett,
AJC.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
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In the upcoming fifth and sixth seasons of Rubble & Crew, fans will strap on safety gear and get ready for demolition, as Builder Cove’s construction heroes become the Wrecking Crew, moving from construction to destruction.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
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One of the greatest Niners to ever strap on a gold helmet.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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