beware

verb

be·​ware bi-ˈwer How to pronounce beware (audio)
bē-

intransitive

: to be on one's guard
beware of the dog

transitive

1
: to take care of
beware your wallet
2
: to be wary of
We must … beware the exceedingly tenuous generalization …—Matthew Lipman

Synonyms of beware

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Examples of beware in a Sentence

A ghostly voice cried “Beware!”. He told them to beware. The restaurant's food is excellent, but beware the chili if you don't like spicy food.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Until that deadline passes, however, beware that the Red Sox and Yankees need a shortstop. — Mac Engel july 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2026 Still, a company spokesperson urged prospective renters and buyers to beware of possible red flags that might signal a scam. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Residents in the areas that felt the biggest tremors ​must beware of further strong quakes for about a week as well as the risk of landslides, an official for the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. — CNN Money, 28 July 2026 Use a potholder when handling the tea kettle of boiling water and beware of splashes and spills to protect yourself from severe burns. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beware

Word History

Etymology

Middle English been war, from been "to be" + war "cognizant, ware entry 1"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of beware was in the 13th century

Rhymes for beware

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Browse Nearby Words

bewailment
beware
beweep
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beware. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

beware

verb
be·​ware bi-ˈwa(ə)r How to pronounce beware (audio)
-ˈwe(ə)r
1
: to be on one's guard
beware of the dog
2
: to be suspicious of
beware the quick excuse

More from Merriam-Webster on beware

Nglish: Translation of beware for Spanish Speakers

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