as in to fasten
to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure
The climber belayed the rope.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of belay
Like rock climbing, the sport entails a rope system — known as belaying — but differs in substantive ways.
—
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024
While one person climbs, another waits below (or above) and belays them.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024
Invented by climbing brand Petzl in 1991, a grigri is an assisted belay device, which helps beginners who are just learning to belay and climb.
—Popular Science, 19 June 2020
This heavier duty paracord can come in handy for suspending heavy items in trees, belaying a person, or hauling something with your truck.
—Tom Price, Popular Mechanics, 30 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for belay 
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024
While one person climbs, another waits below (or above) and belays them.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024
Invented by climbing brand Petzl in 1991, a grigri is an assisted belay device, which helps beginners who are just learning to belay and climb.
—Popular Science, 19 June 2020
This heavier duty paracord can come in handy for suspending heavy items in trees, belaying a person, or hauling something with your truck.
—Tom Price, Popular Mechanics, 30 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for belay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belay
Verb
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The set comes with pre-cut vegetables and fruit that fasten together in the middle with Velcro, allowing kids to slice to their hearts' content.—
Chaunie Brusie, RN,
Parents,
23 Dec. 2024
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In preparation for battle on a cold, dark planet, the shield must be donned — but who says it can’t be gracefully fastened with a bow?—
Goth Shakira,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But good times didn’t last as Morgan scored 10 of the Cornhuskers’ next 15 points to tie the score at 24 with 7:42 left in the first half.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Jan. 2025
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Minnesota had a distinct advantage on the glass and in the paint in the first half and went to the break tied 60-60.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The president-elect also briefly reflected on the assassination attempt against him last summer in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman clipped his ear before law enforcement killed the shooter.—
Olivia Rinaldi,
CBS News,
19 Jan. 2025
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The end came when Procházka clipped Hill with a left and rocked him to the mat with a punishing right.—
Brian Martin,
Orange County Register,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Lions clinched the division and the NFC’s top seed Sunday night with a 34-9 blowout of the Vikings.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Jan. 2025
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These Tequilas, each with a unique and intriguing aroma and flavor profile, have garnered global recognition by clinching Gold Medals in at least five major international spirit competitions.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Jones received the honor from Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue and chief content officer of Condé Nast, who, before pinning the red-ribboned cross on the designer’s left lapel, over his heart, praised him for his generosity.—
Tina Isaac-Goizé,
Vogue,
25 Jan. 2025
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The chances of that happening are pinned at around 5%.—
Brie Stimson,
Fox News,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The case started in 2020 when King’s campaign committee posted a version of the meme of Griner’s son, an 11-month-old with a determined look on his face, clenching a fistful of sand.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA TODAY,
21 Jan. 2025
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Certainly any commuter clenching his or her teeth traveling on Highway 101 through Silicon Valley or agonizing along the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles won’t complain the state has too few occupants.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
The Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In doing either, the Brazilian centre-back revealed a strapping physique.—
Jacob Tanswell,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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These slide over and strap onto shoes via a Velcro closure that secures easily and effectively.—
Lisa Jhung,
Outside Online,
17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near belay
Cite this Entry
“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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