beam 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

beam

2 of 2

verb

Examples 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
My air purifiers’ internal sensors, some using the same technology as my air quality monitors—a tiny chamber where a beam of light scatters picking up the particulates, even the invisible PM 2.5—automatically cranked up their fans. Lisa Wood Shapiro, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024 Remarkably, most of the original beams of the cathedral dated from before 1226, with the oldest from a tree felled in 1156. Joseph Ataman, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
Some would never recover from the trauma of seeing such a violent death, beamed into their homes on television. Thomas Smith, Billboard, 29 Nov. 2024 His smile never fades, his suit never wrinkles, his eyes always beam down with positivity on hundreds of marketplace visitors every year. Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for beam 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam
Noun
  • Made from amber, colored glass that actually protects your beer from UV rays (which can alter the taste of alcohol), the growler includes a metal cap, and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
    Tim Chan, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Protect from the sun: Too much exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight can damage the skin and cause spider veins.9 Wear sunscreen, hats, or long sleeves if going outdoors.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Recommended Joy Five years after fire, a shining Notre Dame is ready to reopen its doors Two Republican Jersey Shore-area congressmen, Mr. Smith and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones, citing safety concerns.
    Bruce Shipowski, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The North Node of Destiny will shine a light on your third house of communication, learning, neighborhood connections, and close friends, as well as siblings.
    Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The images that went viral were often unnerving: high-flash nostalgic party pictures of grinning models with extra molars, or portraits of a sobbing Steve Harvey sloshing liquor in a pitch-black room.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024
  • The joy emanating from his grinning floating head is a key part of the image that Yoshida has fostered over the past four decades as his brand grew.
    Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • However, for Chiquis, the sheen of these triumphs glows within a transformative darkness.
    Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • On a recent Iceland expedition with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, my family, including my then six-year-old son, witnessed the horizon glow orange as a volcanic fissure erupted in the Reykjanes Peninsula.
    Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Marjorie can be seen cuddling up to her husband, with both of them smiling for the camera.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Sans a long white beard, Glazer does have smiling eyes and a go-to attitude that is contagious.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • What’s more, learning is pretty easy when you’re either awestruck or laughing.
    Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Witnesses told police that after doing so, Wallen allegedly laughed.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near beam

Cite this Entry

“Beam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beam. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on beam

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!