HAS-BEEN Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

has-been

noun

ˈhaz-ˌbin

Definition of has-been

as in relic

one that has passed the peak of effectiveness or popularity now a has-been, the actor's been reduced to appearing on a third-rate reality show

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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 has-been Brett Goldstein’s seething has-been, Roy Kent, has replaced Ted as the men’s coach; Beard (co-creator Brendan Hunt) stuck around to assist Roy but has gone feral in the absence of his professional soulmate. — Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 Ken Blake Brea Sorry to see Jerry Neuheisel leave UCLA to join traitor and coaching has-been Chip Kelly at Northwestern. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026 In other words, the vainly hopeful Larry is about to endure twin humiliations, leaving him feeling bumped out of his life and into the past—a has-been, instantly old. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2025 And as alcoholic has-been Morris, Matthau was fantastically slovenly and cynical, an anti–role model for the ages. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for has-been

Recent Examples of Synonyms for has-been

Noun

Theranos is, in many ways, a cautionary tale and a relic of 2010s Silicon Valley.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
Our leaders should retire a relic that endangers people and animals alike, and retire, once and for all, the small and nasty politics used to defend it.

— Al Sharpton, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of relic

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has at

has-been

has-beens

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“Has-been.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/has-been. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of has-been

noun

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