BEAM Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

beam 1 of 2

noun

ˈbēm

Definition of beam

as in ray

a narrow sharply defined line of light radiating from an object we'll need a flashlight that casts a broader beam in order to really see anything

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beam

2 of 2

verb

as in to shine

to emit rays of light a lighthouse has beamed from this site since the 1790s

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grin

to express an emotion (as amusement) by curving the lips upward my father beamed when I showed him my new car

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 beam

Noun

There were heavy, spraggly points, long and short, growing from the main beams in all directions. — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026 The 87 does, however, introduce a fresh onboard layout to the line, with a beam of 39 feet creating generous living quarters. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

Richard Schiff in particular, was just beaming at me in this warm and wonderful way. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 It was beamed around the world on the PTL Satellite Network — the first-ever Christian satellite network. — Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam

Noun

The biggest challenges, its designers say, were mimicking the fade from crisp morning rays to bright noon light to a soft evening glow, and creating a sense of depth to conjure the distant sky.

— Emma Barker, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
To speed up the process, the team came up with the X-AutoMap software to work with the facility’s Hard X-ray Nanoprobe (HXN).

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of ray

Verb

After Jones shined during his first start, the Gators’ quarterback decision will be scrutinized and dissected, fueling two weeks of endless conjecture leading up to the Georgia game.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
The offense continues to shine with the one-two punch of Hawkins and Cook.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

Riley grinned with his team protecting an eight-point lead in front of a rowdy, record crowd of 114,419 decked in all white at Beaver Stadium on Saturday night.

— Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Both Ruto, behind the wheel, and Chivayo are seen laughing, with Chivayo's wife grinning from the back seat.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of grin

Verb

Less than half a mile away, business owner Sierra Jordan told CNN the familiar sound of children laughing and playing outside at recess gave way to the frantic arrival of ambulances.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
At-large Councilwoman Victoria Watlington posted an Instagram video of herself laughing about the situation the morning after the meeting.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2026