belongs

Definition of belongsnext
present tense third-person singular of belong
1
as in goes
to have or be in a usual or proper place your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the living room where people will trip on them

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in pertains
to be the property of a person or group of persons those textbooks belong to the school system and not to the students

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 belongs The genus Acanthochitona — the specific group to which feroxa belongs — developed about 92 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous, when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026 The result is a vibrant, satisfying winter dish that proves coleslaw belongs on the table year-round. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026 The genus Acanthochitona, to which the new species belongs, developed about 92 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026 This classic side belongs at any backyard barbecue, cookout, or picnic. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026 The group’s impact on hip-hop and broader pop culture is massive, and their presence on the 2026 ballot — alongside Shakira repping Latin pop on a global scale — represents a direct challenge to narrower definitions of what belongs in the Rock Hall. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026 Already, the 19-year-old belongs among the WorldTour’s best. Andy McGrath, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026 At the same time, part of career growth involves discernment ‒ deciding what feedback sharpens you and what belongs in the rearview mirror. Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026 The credit for results belongs entirely to the states. Jeb Bush, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belongs
Verb
  • No frills, no fancy claims to fame; the Jet Set features the brand’s signature logo-print canvas, a clean and classic silhouette, and luxe gold hardware that goes with everything.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026
  • December 22 – January 19 Confidence goes hand-in-hand with commitment right now.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The process also requires the Senate parliamentarian to rule that the legislation pertains to the budget.
    Garrett Downs, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • My question pertains to my vehicle, 2015 Toyota 4Runner.
    John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As a teaching and research institution, Dean McGee Eye Institute stays at the forefront of advances in ophthalmology, conducting clinical trials and developing new treatments.
    Community's Choice Awards, Oklahoman, 7 Mar. 2026
  • However, a meteorologist may tell you the first day of spring is actually March 1 — a date that stays consistent from year to year.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Belongs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belongs. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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