below 1 of 3

preposition

Definition of belownext
1
as in beneath
in a lower position than for the photo she sat below everyone else, on the floor actually

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in after
subsequent to in time or order that ranks a little below a root canal on my list of things I'd want to experience

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

below

2 of 3

adverb

bi-ˈlō How to pronounce below (audio)
1
as in underneath
in or to a lower place the skipper climbed below to fix the engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in down
toward or in a lower position when rock climbing I just know that if I look below, I'll become paralyzed with fear

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

below

3 of 3

adjective

as in lower

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 below
Preposition
The pricing of the iPhone Duo and Apple's other new devices was reasonable and below what many tech soothsayers had predicted. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026 Part of the Bruins’ seven-year commitment, however, within the context of relatively limited data, is the possibility of more below the surface of Minten’s 17-18-35 output. — Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Adverb
The full list of films playing at the 2026 Downtown Festival is listed below. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026 Instead of trying to conquer everything on a first visit — there are more than 1,300 works — hit our highlights below. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Those who live in a basement or a below-grade space should be prepared to move to higher ground if conditions worsen. — Justin Lewis, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 The below-average pass rush means the vulnerable secondary could be overly exposed. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for below
Recent Examples of Synonyms for below
  1. beneath
  2. after
  3. underneath
  4. down
  5. lower
  6. under
  7. behind
  8. bottom
Preposition
  • The thin, buildable formula is an especially good fit for anyone who wants to even out discoloration and soften the look of pores without concealing their skin beneath a heavy layer of makeup.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The pinkish squid glided two miles beneath the surface, its long, pale legs trailing from undulating fins, stunning scientists who know remarkably little about its diet, behavior or reproduction.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of beneath
Preposition
  • As has been discussed in the comments, Tyra did not return as a judge after that argument with Law earlier in the season.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Find a way to limit run-after-catch opportunities for Green Bay’s wideouts, avoid turnovers offensively and Minnesota should be able to ride a raucous crowd to a Week 1 victory.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of after
Adverb
  • About six people then work together to lift the car high enough to free the woman trapped underneath.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The steak was crisp and deeply browned on the outside, with a tender, savory center underneath, and the blanket of brown gravy softened the crunchy crust and added a rich, salty flavor without overpowering the meat.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of underneath
Adverb
  • Suzuki played the 13th-most long passes of any player in Serie A, contributing to his overall pass accuracy being down at 62 per cent.
    — Aston Villa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Those statues peering down from surrounding buildings seem to nod their approval.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of down
Adjective
  • Despite those lower court rulings, the practice has continued nationally, said Gregory Chen, the senior director of government relations for the Immigration Lawyers Association.
    — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2025
  • And ultimately, the Supreme Court overruled those lower court rulings and did declare the embryos as children qualifying under the wrongful death statute.
    — Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024
Definition of lower
Preposition
  • The measures announced Tuesday were signed into law under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, documents posted to the White House website show.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Developed by a team from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the robot is designed to operate in complex crop environments without continuous human control.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of under
Preposition
  • Bowyer acknowledged that Turning Point Action's growing infrastructure in early primary states could cause some agitation on the right if it is seen as throwing its weight behind one presidential candidate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The inspiration behind Keoghan’s signature eyebrow arch was fully revealed when Majors’ wife, Faith, approached Keoghan at the Kentucky Derby.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of behind
Adjective
  • The three combined for Oliver’s first, with Whisker’s break and pass inside and Oliver played a neat one-two with Lamb before scoring in the bottom corner.
    — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Ahead of our September meeting livestream, starting at noon ET , here's a look at what moved our top three stocks and bottom three over the past four weeks.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of bottom

Phrases Containing below

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beloveds
below
belowground
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Cite this Entry

“Below.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/below. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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