be (to)

verb

Definition of be (to)next
as in to treat
to behave toward in a stated way you need to be nice to your brother

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for be (to)
  1. treat
  2. serve
  3. handle
  4. use
Verb
  • Car parts, for example, are generally treated like other goods from China despite ongoing tensions over the country’s fast-growing auto sector.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Dark circles are the anchor of tired girl makeup, treated as a feature to style rather than a flaw to cover.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of treat
Verb
  • The jury did convict Rosado of driving under the influence and he was sentenced to five years in prison, but Rosado has been behind bars on a $2 million bail since 2021 so won't have to serve any additional time.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • After Shedeur Sanders and Hunter left Boulder for the NFL, the 2025 calendar year served as a reminder of how swiftly things can change.
    — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of serve
Verb
  • Loading silverware handles down and usable ends up ensures maximum cleanliness but may lead to accidents.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Sánchez is facing mounting scrutiny amid a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Ceuta, where the flood of thousands of migrants has angered residents in the tiny community, which is ill-equipped to handle such an influx.
    — Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of handle
Verb
  • Operators can also continue using diesel when hydrogen supplies are unavailable.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Razorbill brings that experience to one of the industry's most recognizable blade profiles, using extensive CNC machining to make geometry itself part of both the product's performance and its appearance.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of use
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.

Browse Nearby Words

bêtises
be (to)
betoken
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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