BESTING Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

besting

verb

present participle of best

as in defeating

to achieve a victory over at last she's bested her card-playing mother at the game of hearts

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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 besting As the unsuccessful regime-change effort in Iran demonstrated, there are no shortcuts to besting the axis countries, together or individually. — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026 Allen won an overtime game for the first time in his career by besting Matthew Stafford, who passed for 383 yards and three touchdowns. — CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 The musical grossed a whopping $2,608,571, easily besting runner-up The Lion King‘s $1,700,873. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026 The 48-year gap between his two most recent wins set a new record, besting the previous record holder, Reiner’s dad, Carl Reiner, according to Variety. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026 The Bears set a franchise record for points in an opener, besting a 45-7 win over the Packers in 1948. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026 Even the National Weather Service’s Oxnard station wasn’t spared — topping out at 87 degrees, besting a record of 85 set in 1931. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The potentially final chapter of LIV's story being closed out with La Sasso besting the two biggest LIV stars was certainly a scene. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 The British-Argentine actor’s point has less to do with her conflicted con artist cheating death numerous times and besting her mobster in-laws, as well as the FBI. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for besting

Verb

The Brewers defended home turf in Game 1 of the NLCS, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 2–1 in a tight pitching duel.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Here the goal is to traverse a sprawling castle, defeating all kinds of monsters and gathering gear and experience points to get stronger.

— Andrew Webster, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of defeating

Verb

The former Cup champion finished third, overcoming a speeding-on-pit-road penalty and other drama en route to that result.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026
In that interview, Williams discussed growing up in New York, overcoming adversity and the importance of treating others with kindness.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of overcoming

Verb

Print out every word a child hears on the way to mastering language and the stack stands about as tall as a house.

— Charles Yeomans, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
How to Prevent Sauces From Breaking When mastering a good sauce, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.

— Laura Manzano, Martha Stewart, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of mastering

Verb

Prosecutors claimed Davis acted out of revenge for Shakur and his crew previously beating on Orlando Anderson, Davis’ nephew.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Heavy winds, beating sun and wide, open spaces give the area plentiful access to cheap green energy and land.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of beating

Verb

Forward Eetu Luostarinen left the game midway through the third period after taking a puck to the face and did not return.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
Late in the third quarter, UNC took its first lead of the game on Demon June's 1-yard touchdown run, taking a 14-10 lead.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of taking

Verb

Before conquering Hollywood, Ali played Division I basketball (standing at six feet four) and released rap albums under the name Prince Ali.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
During the talk, Bardem reflected on a glittering career, from his early life growing up in one of Spain’s most prestigious acting families to winning an Oscar and, this year, finally conquering his fear of the stage.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of conquering

Verb

The polling punctuates widespread Democratic warnings about Trump laying the groundwork for interfering in the midterm elections by asserting more control over mail-in voting and dispatching Justice Department monitors to polling places.

— Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Upgrading mobility dispatching is a foundational investment in building a resilient, efficient and accessible airport ecosystem.

— Justin Newell, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of dispatching

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bestiary

besting

bestir

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“Besting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/besting. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of besting

verb

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