belly 1 of 2

noun

ˈbe-lē How to pronounce belly (audio)
Definition of bellynext
1
as in stomach
a need or desire for food as dinnertime approached he could think only of his belly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in corporation
an enlarged or bulging abdomen worked hard to get rid of his belly in time to attend his class reunion

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3
as in abdomen
the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis a baby with a round little belly

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4
as in soul
the seat of one's deepest thoughts and emotions in my belly I knew that he wasn't telling the truth, as the details of his story just didn't add up

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belly

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point the sails slowly bellied as the wind picked up

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to snake
to move slowly with the body close to the ground recruits were forced to belly over the obstacle course under simulated enemy fire

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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 belly
Noun
Sotheby's said several ribs and belly bones show fractures that healed before the dinosaur died, while bite marks on parts of the skull and other bones may have been caused by scavenging. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 From Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid to even Blackpink's Jennie, celebs the world over can't seem to get enough of belly bling. — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 13 July 2026 Perched on an oceanfront bluff 800 miles above the shore, its sprawling outdoor patio, once a buzzing boho hub of belly dancing and poetry readings, is now an idyllic setting for a sunset drink. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 Proof that the babies aren’t born with hatred in their bellies and in their blood. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for belly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belly
  1. stomach
  2. fat
  3. abdomen
  4. soul
  5. protrude
  6. snake
  7. hunger
  8. paunch
Noun
  • And of the prosecution’s claim that Burke stabbed Rivas to death, the Deputy Medical Examiner said the wound to her lower liver was consistent with being stabbed in the stomach.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
  • Inversion delivers on stomach-dropping, dizzying and scream-inspiring thrills.
    — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of stomach
Noun
  • Paola Berreti had sought to remove excess fat around her knees, while Maria Cantone went in for a facelift.
    — Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Olive oil, as well as avocado oil, is therefore considered a heart-healthy fat, while coconut oil is not, said Goldberg.
    — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 23 July 2026
Definition of fat
Noun
  • Ho also said Celeste bore two significant penetrating injuries — one wound to her abdomen, which passed through the diaphragm and injured the liver, and the other penetrated the left side of her chest, damaging ribs and entered the chest cavity.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 July 2026
  • The family was not present Friday for the medical examiner’s testimony, which featured graphic autopsy photos including two puncture wounds to the chest and abdomen that the medical examiner determined caused the victim’s death.
    — Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of abdomen
Noun
  • Rossum and Petticrew’s both richly embody the push and pull for their characters’ souls, while their supporting stars provide clear-eyed yet nuanced conviction to drive them toward a resolution.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 July 2026
  • Shang-Chi – Defeated the Dweller-in-Darkness, an ancient soul-stealing cosmic dragon.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of soul
Verb
  • In several looks, the hips protruded impressively outward, but the silhouette appeared more subtle and somewhat suitable for everyday wear in the label’s delicate camisole tops.
    — Kelly Niesen, Glamour, 24 July 2026
  • While Kali’s protruding tongue is sometimes interpreted as a gesture of embarrassment or shame, the Rolling Stones’ logo reimagines it as a symbol of protest and antiestablishment sentiment.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026
Definition of protrude
Verb
  • Towering over the Central Business District and the snaking ribbon of the Waller Creek Greenbelt Trail, this 37-story hotel stands out amidst the Austin skyline.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2026
  • At the bus stop, there was a queue of chartered double-decker buses and a vast crowd, mostly men in blue business suits, snaked four times around the car park, waiting to board the vehicles.
    — David Szondy July 23, New Atlas, 23 July 2026
Definition of snake
Noun
  • All large multinational corporations (MNCs) strive to operate with a founder’s mindset, agility and hunger, and many companies want to create a startup culture.
    — Sonal Jain, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Conflict remains one of the biggest obstacles to reducing hunger worldwide, Lario added.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Definition of hunger
Noun
  • The hair may be grayer, the paunches a little more pronounced, and the joints a little creakier, but the Jackass promise of delivering the missing link between the Three Stooges and a snuff film remains.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026
  • There is a funny thread of everyone thinking Woody’s getting a bit old – rocking a paunch and a poncho – while Buzz pines for Jessie.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Definition of paunch

Phrases Containing belly

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bellwethers
belly
bellyache
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Cite this Entry

“Belly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belly. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on belly

Nglish: Translation of belly for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about belly

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