as in to fasten
to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure
The climber belayed the rope.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Mountain Seed cofounder Nathan Schmidt belays a camper.
—
Kyra Kennedy, Outside Online, 29 Sep. 2024
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
Like rock climbing, the sport entails a rope system — known as belaying — but differs in substantive ways.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024
While one person climbs, another waits below (or above) and belays them.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for belay
Kyra Kennedy, Outside Online, 29 Sep. 2024
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
Like rock climbing, the sport entails a rope system — known as belaying — but differs in substantive ways.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024
While one person climbs, another waits below (or above) and belays them.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for belay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belay
Verb
-
Police said they were securely fastened into their seats and were not injured.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
6 June 2025
-
The stair treads and risers are fastened to and held firm by stringers, which are analogous to the joists under a floor.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
24 May 2025
Verb
-
Andrew Harnik—Getty Images Advertisement When did the United States last host a military parade? Military parades in the U.S. are quite rare and typically tied to clear military victories.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
12 June 2025
-
After Indiana cashed in with a basket on the other side of the court, McConnell stole the inbounds pass and tied the score.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
Every feather was clipped short; the bullet must have gone the length of the bird’s body cutting feathers and not once drawing blood!—
Percy Brown,
Outdoor Life,
12 June 2025
-
First, trim your nails by clipping straight across to create short tips.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
11 June 2025
Verb
-
The topic has taken on a life of its own since the Florida Panthers clinched their third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.—
Pierre LeBrun,
New York Times,
5 June 2025
-
Eight days after clinching their second Walter Cup in as many seasons, the Frost have lost their two best blue liners to the Vancouver club joining the league next season.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
His vision and passing range set the tempo for the team, while his physical presence and reading of the game help City pin opponents in and prevent counter-attacks.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
The Better Sister ends with Chloe working to pin Adam's murder on Bill Braddock, his boss at the Gentry Group.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
The Najaf player stretched out his arms, fists still clenched, and lifted his head to look into the captain’s eyes.—
Jason Anthony,
The Atlantic,
14 June 2025
-
Its stern warnings are scary and uncomfortable--the headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, body aches, clenched teeth or knots in your chest.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
The drones, strapped with explosives, were hidden inside the roofs of wooden sheds, which were dropped off by trucks at the outer edge of Russian military bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
-
Wearing a smartwatch shouldn’t feel like strapping a mini tablet to your wrist.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share