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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
That means more than 80 percent of the population are below the benchmark. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026 In my experience, below a certain deal size, the infrastructure is simply not there. — Juan Arroyo, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Adverb
Come hang out with our Chiefs coverage team at Arrowhead Stadium by following our live coverage and commentary below. — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026 Effective Insulation Insulation helps slow the transfer of heat from the attic into the rooms below. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 14 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
  • To find it, look low above the southwestern horizon after sunset, where Venus will be easy to spot despite the lingering twilight.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Cultural performances in the lounge after dark carry the energy of the day forward, so the soul of the river stays with you even when the ship is still.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of after
Adverb
  • The result is an infrastructure where a payment between two people in different countries settles instantly at zero cost, and neither person needs to understand what happened underneath.
    — Jeff Mahony, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Washington figures to get plenty of work underneath for easy catches and could be a go-to for Willis on third-and-short.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 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

Browse Nearby Words

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 19 Sep. 2026.

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