Synonyms of was

was

verb

past tense of be

1

as in lived

to have life

stories that begin with the familiar line "once upon a time there was a beautiful maiden"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lived
• existed
• ruled
• breathed
• continued
• survived
• subsisted
• flourished
• led
• persisted
• lasted
• kicked
• kept (on)
• endured
• held on
• moved
• ran on
• held up
• prospered
• abided
• thrived

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• died
• departed
• disappeared
• expired
• passed away
• perished
• ended
• succumbed
• stopped
• vanished
• evaporated
• ceased
• discontinued
• quit
• died (down)
• subsided
• waned
• abated
• moderated
• desisted
• ebbed
• let up

2

as in stood

to occupy a place or location

we'll be there waiting for you

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stood
• sat
• remained
• bore
• lay
• resided
• stayed
• waited
• rested
• stationed
• awaited
• posted
• overlooked
• commanded
• hung around
• stuck around
• dwelled
• tarried

3

as in ranked

to take or have a certain position within a group arranged in vertical classes

our school's football team is first in its division

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ranked
• placed
• stood
• rated
• graded
• seeded
• counted
• classed
• classified
• grouped
• installed
• categorized
• separated
• sorted
• set
• codified
• instated
• compartmentalized

4

as in happened

to take place

the party is next Saturday

Synonyms & Similar Words

• happened
• came
• occurred
• did
• cooked
• came about
• transpired
• passed
• came down
• went on
• chanced
• befell
• went down
• came to pass
• came off
• happed
• developed
• betided
• resulted
• rose
• arose
• proceeded
• materialized
• came up
• intervened
• followed
• shaped (up)
• turned out
• cropped (up)
• sprang (up)
• broke
• fell out
• went off

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of was

There was a time when Florida-Auburn was one of the games that defined the SEC. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

There was a lineup of celebrities and stars who graced these halls, with a guest ledger that features Clark Gable and Bette Davis. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Sep. 2026

Adi Ayash, an Israeli digital content creator who lives in Thailand, said there was never a question about returning to vote. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Bowler said police believe there was no further threat to nearby residents. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026

But after that 31-7 lead, there was a thought that Miami looked like a very good team but perhaps not an infallible one. — Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

As yields surged over the summer, he was unfazed, saying there was still no sign that the bond vigilantes were revolting. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

When Chesterton restructured the town government, there was no town manager. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Brown’s name had surfaced publicly in those trade talks, and there was a point of no return. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026