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

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beam

2 of 2

verb

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
The closure is for emergency replacement of the Randol Mill Road bridge beams that were damaged by a tractor-trailer in June. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025 White oak flooring, cabinetry, and beams are paired with soft blues, neutrals, and touches of pink, including on the front door. Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
As La’an calls for the Enterprise to beam them up, time freezes, and the strange sparkly thing takes humanoid form. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 The internet-beaming satellites have become a key component of Musk's spaceflight business ventures. Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beam
Noun
  • The Sound Of Music turns 60 this year – and Disney has happily opted to celebrate the occasion by remastering the film in 4K resolution and high dynamic range for a worldwide re-release at the cinema and on 4K Blu-ray disc.
    John Archer, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The gas is activated by the ultraviolet rays of the sun, making the tail glow in much the same way that black light causes phosphorescent paint to light up.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In Shasta County, near the geographic top of California, McArthur-Burney State Park is known for its picturesque waterfalls, with rainbows rising through the mist when the sun shines just right.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • By shining light onto molecules to analyze these vibrations, techniques such as infrared spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy can identify these molecules.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The small, grinning Labubu plush dolls have exploded in popularity over the summer, with their limited supply, celebrity endorsements and collectible nature driving up bidding prices online.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
  • She was dressed in green and gold and had a beaming smile on her face as Justin grinned at her.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For observers in Australia, Asia, Africa and parts of Europe, the rise of the full moon will be followed by its journey through Earth’s shadow in space, with its surface glowing reddish-orange for 82 minutes.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Lillusory Scallop Cardigan in Navy, $18 with coupon The sweater is starting to receive five-star ratings and glowing reviews.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Meghan Markle smiles as a camera crew film her during 'With Love, Meghan' Season 2, which was released in August 2025.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Soboleva handed her a few pieces of paper and smiled.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Was he supposed to laugh at him and call him a loser?
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The driver filmed the incident and laughed as an officer chased after him, court documents say.
    Real-Time News team, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Beam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beam. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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