was (to)

Definition of was (to)next
past tense of be (to)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for was (to)
Verb
  • The entire time, nobody treated me the way I was supposed to be treated.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Lynch was taken to a local hospital to be treated for facial fractures, a cranial leak and other injuries.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Before the war, Rafah served as Gaza’s primary passage to the outside world.
    Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • For decades, the concrete building known for its Brutalist design has served as a trusty backdrop for public rallies, political protests and spirited demonstrations.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • An entire population can be handled.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Items should be handled once (think hung, shelved, or stored) rather than set down temporarily.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Was (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/was%20%28to%29. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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