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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Stepping out for her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel, The Substance actor was photographed in a black Schiaparelli halterneck dress, fastened with an ornate gold cuff at the neck that’s typical of the house codes.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2025
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Naturally, when the show returned, Goldberg had fastened the fake pregnant belly to her head.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Big or small, printed or tied, the iconic shape will always bring a feminine, fun, flirty flair to the function.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
11 Feb. 2025
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The movie, which follows two cousins on a trip to their late grandmother’s hometown in Poland, recently tied with Deadpool & Wolverine for best comedy at the Critics Choice Awards.—
Zoe G. Phillips,
The Hollywood Reporter,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Just clip it on to secure the zipper or luggage cord; then, twist and unclasp it to open.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Feb. 2025
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Iowa State, a team that clipped KU 74-57 on Jan. 15 in Ames, will meet Kansas in an ESPN Big Monday contest at Allen Fieldhouse.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
2 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The team clinched their 40-22 victory over reigning champs the Kansas City Chiefs, who struggled to even put points on the board during the big game's first half.—
Alex Ross,
People.com,
11 Feb. 2025
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Erin Andrews brought a healthy dose of sparkle to the 2025 Super Bowl on Sunday in New Orleans, La. Super Bowl LIX features 2024 champions, the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Philadelphia Eagles after the two teams clinched the AFC Championship and NFC Championship, respectively, last January.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Next, loop your pony into a bun, and pin it in place (but keeping some of the ends out).—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
7 Feb. 2025
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McCauley pinned this sudden mood shift on regulators.—
Brady Dale,
Axios,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The hollow tubes are just the right diameter for a baby to clench a fist around, and come in strawberry-apple and banana flavors.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
2 Feb. 2025
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On match point, Sinner hit a service winner and clenched his fists in celebration.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Kimberly, who was injured during the initial attack, managed to save Maranda by strapping her in the backseat of the couple's truck.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
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There, in a section of old-growth forest that’s not open to tourists, she emotionally strong-arms two ecological researchers into strapping her into a harness and taking her up into the canopy with them.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
13 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near belay
Cite this Entry
“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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