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
  • The screaming engine bounced under a rusty white hood that appeared to be fastened in place by a bungee cord.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 July 2026
  • The memorial has a bronze marker fastened to the marble wall.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of fasten
Verb
  • The Brewers tied it 1-1 in the fourth on a home run to center by Bauers, who now has 20 in a season for the first time in his career.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Stewart's two-run single off Wilber Dotel (1-4) in the eighth tied the score 7-7.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of tie
Verb
  • Onwurah wrote the film in a time of fury over a news clipping.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 30 July 2026
  • The busy section of road had been closed since July 13, when a truck traveling east clipped the underside of the span.
    — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 30 July 2026
Definition of clip
Verb
  • In a men’s semifinal match, Roger Federer outlasts Juan Martin del Potro in a 19-17 final set and clinches his first Olympic singles medal.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • This victory further fuels Danhausen's ongoing feud with Judgment Day, a rivalry that gained prominence after his curse famously helped the New York Knicks clinch their first NBA title in 53 years.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of clinch
Verb
  • Punter competition update The #Puntapalooza returned with the team focusing on shorter opportunities to pin the opponent deep.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Center hopes to establish concrete timeline With the lawsuit, Muir said the Center for Biological Diversity hopes to pin the NMFS down to a timeline.
    — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of pin
Verb
  • Janet held the phone away from her ear, clenching her teeth against Maggie’s booming voice.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • Clad in the world champion’s rainbows, Evenepoel clenched both his fists, beamed a toothy grin, and hugged his soigneur.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of clench
Verb
  • Members of the TreeCircus crew will help participants strap into the rope system and teach them how to climb using only the power of their own body.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • 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
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 7 Aug. 2026.

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