below 1 of 3

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

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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

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below

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in underneath
in or to a lower place the skipper climbed below to fix the engine

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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

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below

3 of 3

adjective

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 economic expectations score for 2026’s first four months was 17% below average. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 18 May 2026 Statewide, attendance has improved each year but remains slightly below pre-pandemic levels, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
Adverb
Watch the full joke swap below. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 17 May 2026 Discover more of Kristen Stewart’s Cannes Film Festival style below. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 May 2026
Adjective
Detroit, at most, usually has just one below-average defender on the court at all times. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 13 May 2026 Follow the below step-by-step instructions to clean a bird feeder with vinegar. Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for below
Recent Examples of Synonyms for below
Preposition
  • Available in four neutral shades designed to hide beneath a sheer skirt, these easy-to-slip-on shorts will save you from any wardrobe malfunctions.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 19 May 2026
Preposition
  • The proximity to the city centre, stands named after heroes, the feeling of the club being a big deal in a city centre that does need that gravitas.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • But after leaping and stretching his torso over the top of the wall, the ball fell just out of his reach.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
Adverb
  • There’s a version of long-term partnership that functions beautifully and feels, underneath, a little flat.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • The melody goes one, two, three, and the chords follow underneath.
    Charlie Harding, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Adverb
  • South Africa saw a 73% decline in admissions, while South Korea was down 52%.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 19 May 2026
  • For a buyer putting 20% down on a $420,000 home — roughly the national median home price — their monthly principal and interest payment has gone from $2,012 to $2,179, a difference of $167.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Lower gas demand amid increasing supply has led to lower pump prices.
    Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 19 June 2023
Preposition
  • Officials allege the group sold the oil under false pretenses and used the profits to sustain and expand the original food fraud scheme.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • The staffers, who are spread across more than twenty front- and back-end departments, are organizing under the name Seattle Art Museum Workers United (SAMWU) under the auspices of the Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME Council 28.
    News Desk, Artforum, 18 May 2026
Preposition
  • Beyond keeping bugs away from your guests and food, the zapper also cuts down on the need for bug sprays, which can leave behind strong smells or residue.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
  • While in the clinic, behind the gee-wizardry of the modern diagnostics and next-generation medications, the practice of endocrinology remains rooted in one person telling their story and the other trying to interpret it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Mavericks ultimately fell from championship contenders to the bottom tier of the standings.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026
  • The top and middle tier were lemon sponge with vanilla buttercream and lemon curd, while the bottom tier was chocolate sponge with vanilla buttercream and chocolate custard.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Below.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/below. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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