beacon 1 of 2

noun

ˈbē-kən How to pronounce beacon (audio)
Definition of beaconnext
as in light
something that provides illumination the floodlit skyscraper is one of the city's most beloved nighttime beacons

Synonyms & Similar Words

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beacon

2 of 2

verb

as in to illumine
to supply with light a lone lighthouse beacons the entrance to the island's only harbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 beacon
Noun
The aircraft was reported about 1 mile from the Canarsie (CRI) navigation beacon, a key waypoint used by aircraft lining up to land at JFK. — Bonny Chu , Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 The data is fairly precise, measured to within 3 meters every 2 minutes based on the Global Positioning System, Bluetooth beacons, cell phone towers and local wifi networks. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Verb
Growing underground with their luminous flowers beaconing through the soil, around 90 species of Thismia have been discovered. — Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 27 Feb. 2023 In the meantime, January will beacon you into hermit mode, especially at the top of the month due to the Cancer full moon on Friday, January 6. — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for beacon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beacon
  1. light
  2. illumine
  3. lamp
  4. illuminate
  5. lighting
  6. candle
Noun
  • Videos from these gatherings showing chanting crowds beneath concert lights, audience members crying, hugging strangers and dancing barefoot have racked up millions of views online.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Details about the couple's big day, continue to come to light – from Swift's wedding dress to possible performances at the celebration.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of light
Verb
  • Fantastic, illumined by periodic excursions into surrealism, as when the crew of a mysterious UFO boards a transpacific Kahuna Airlines jet midflight.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Geraldine walked over to Felix and Jane’s for fish soup, through long autumn shadows in the park, haze rising like smoke from the grass, illumined by the low sun.
    — Tessa Hadley, New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2026
Definition of illumine
Noun
  • For families Families will love the easy access to the slopes and the daily s’mores ritual by the outdoor pool and heat lamps.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
  • In March, Ford issued a recall for F-150 trucks, as well as the Maverick, Ranger, and more, due to a trailer module software issue that could stop trailer turn signal indicators, brake lamps, and even brakes from functioning properly.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of lamp
Verb
  • From the deck, Pawlak could see lightning illuminating the coastline like a fireworks show.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • What to read next Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, Reflect Orbital's vision is to deliver light on demand to solar power plants at night and to illuminate warzones and areas struck by natural disasters.
    — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of illuminate
Noun
  • The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • On July 4 and July 5, the skyscraper will feature red, white, and blue lighting to celebrate Independence Day.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026
Definition of lighting
Noun
  • In real life, friendships tend to end more like a candle that gradually reaches the end of its wick.
    — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
  • Fans have seen glimpses of the home on social media over the years and, more recently, watched Swift use a fire extinguisher to put out a small candle blaze in the kitchen in a video posted by Swift’s recent musical collaborator Gracie Abrams.
    — Lily Boyce, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of candle

Browse Nearby Words

beachside
beacon
beaconed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beacon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beacon. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beacon

Nglish: Translation of beacon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beacon

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