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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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

Archaeologists recently uncovered charred wooden beams in Jerusalem dating back roughly 2,600 years — likely remnants of the destruction of Solomon's Temple. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Each measures 500 square feet, with its walls, ceilings, and timber beams made from pine trees felled on site. — Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026

Verb

Environmental activists aren’t giving up on trying to shut down a controversial satellite that will use a giant mirror to beam sunlight to the Earth at night. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026 Inside Billy’s private movie theater, the projector beams down on the back of Anderson’s head like that infamous Nicole Kidman AMC promo. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam

Noun

The lens of these devices concentrates the solar rays and can damage your vision.

— Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026
So this is why dermatologists recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA rays, those are the ones that cause tanning and aging, and UVB rays, which are more responsible for sunburn and many skin cancers.

— Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of ray

Verb

When the moon starts to cross in front of the sun, the star’s rays will shine around valleys on the moon’s horizon, creating glowing drops of light around the moon called Baily’s beads.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
In a matchup between struggling lineups, both starting pitchers shined.

— CBS New York Team, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of shine

Verb

Her celebrity status was on the rise through the 1990s — she was photographed grinning with Rosie O’Donnell and Bette Midler at an A-list Halloween bash in New York City in 1998.

— Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
In 2014, Josh Brolin appeared in Hall H, slipped on the Infinity Gauntlet, and grinned.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026