belay

verb

Definition of belaynext
as in to fasten
to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure The climber belayed the rope.

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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 belay The ship’s resting place deep underwater helped preserve key features, like bow clamps and belaying pins, by limiting the growth of invasive quagga mussels, as noted in the release. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Drinking should happen after you’re done belaying for the day. — Outside Editors, Outside Online, 3 July 2025 So the climbers who found the elk helped rig him up to belay the creature to the base of the wall, officials said. — Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025 Born as a design concept to give climbers a shoe to wear for quick access to the crag, comfort when belaying and recovery after a climb, the Kragg fills a need. — Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for belay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belay
  1. fasten
  2. tie
  3. clip
  4. clinch
  5. pin
  6. clench
  7. strap
Verb
  • In the Sacramento City Unified School District, all students are required to wear and fasten a helmet.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • With his snug corset and unsubtle make-up and minuscule shorts to which are fastened fishnet stockings, Curry’s kooky scientist with a penchant for brewing male lovers in his lab is one of pop-culture’s unlikely icons.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fasten
Verb
  • Center fielder Tristan Peters saw his franchise-record-tying streak of consecutive games with a home run end at five.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Ryker Huther is tied for first with 66 for Circle Christian boys golf on the first day of the Titan Invitational.
    — Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tie
Verb
  • In March, Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed on Jupiter Island when his Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In March, Woods' Land Rover clipped a truck, rolled onto its side and the legendary golfer was arrested, officials said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of clip
Verb
  • In the real world, the Angels clinched their 11th consecutive losing season before the calendar turned to September.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Every start of a new year is supposedly the beginning of the end for him as a player, every defeat seen as the last opportunity to clinch another major trophy.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of clinch
Verb
  • Precision and execution on punts and kickoffs can pin teams in their own end zones, stopping drives before they even get started.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Ali ended the match with a 450 splash to pin Hotch and recapture the TNA International Championship.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of pin
Verb
  • This can lead women to clench their jaws or pelvic muscles, or grind their teeth.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Years ago, after Jake died, my instinct as a medical student was anger — clenching my teeth and jabbing a pen into my notepad, making a line of inky holes along the margin.
    — Caroline Cherston, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of clench
Verb
  • AirsFish Soccer Shin Guards for Kids Breathable and sweat-absorbent, these shin guards strap around the foot to stay securely in place.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Members of the TreeCircus crew will help participants strap into the rope system and teach them how to climb using only the power of their own body.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of strap

Browse Nearby Words

belauds
belay
belayed
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Cite this Entry

“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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