was (to)

past tense of be (to)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for was (to)
Verb
  • For centuries, urban policy has treated inequality as inevitable, rather than intentional.
    Fahad Zuberi, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Visitors were treated to a traditional lion dance, complete with the eye-dotting ceremony that symbolized good fortune and energy for the new venture.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Bloomberg, who served three consecutive terms as mayor in the early 2000s, also pushed for steep tax hikes on the wealthy, and even proposed free transit in some places.
    Connor Greene, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In the company’s early years, prior to Microsoft’s first $1 billion investment into OpenAI, Brockman essentially served as the AI lab’s CEO, while Altman continued to run Y Combinator.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Hubbarth handled it pretty well, asking a couple of questions on the issues and producing a little news.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Caliendo handled the rest of the game, allowing no quarterback pressures on 32 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
    Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
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 6 Nov. 2025.

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