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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
  • At the scene Friday night, a gray electric Citi Bike could be seen lodged beneath the wheels of a truck belonging to Badger Daylighting, a company specializing in hydrovac excavation whose NYC headquarters are located in the Bronx.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The rocky planet's exceptional brightness is a side effect of its dense atmosphere, which veils the planet's surface beneath dense sulphuric acid clouds that reflect 70% of incoming sunlight back out into space, according to MIT.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 18 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
  • Between 26 and 35 vessels per day have transited this week, down from the 35 to 40 daily average of the prior eight weeks, according to Dimitris Ampatzidis, maritime risk and compliance manager at Kpler.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Larsen, a wide receiver and safety, delivered with an impressive 10-yard touchdown catch on fourth down in the left corner of the end zone to cut the deficit to 14-9 in the fourth.
    — Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 18 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 outbreak is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike and intense population movements.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But also know that no one is under any obligation to answer questions about their body, even at a gym.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of under
Preposition
  • Courts may look behind a verdict in narrow circumstances, including cases involving outside influence or racial bias.
    — Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • For the Palestinian relief nonprofits behind a $1 million pledge from rapper Macklemore, the Grammy winner’s latest contributions offer more than just money.
    — James Pollard, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of behind
Adjective
  • Prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and storing raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
    — Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2026
  • This hysterical comedy by writer-director Jesse Eisenberg has deep affection for artists clinging to the bottom rung of showbiz.
    — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 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 22 Sep. 2026.

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