BEGGAR Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

beggar 1 of 2

noun

ˈbe-gər

Definition of beggar

as in hobo

a person who lives by public begging the pitiful beggars that are such a common sight in underdeveloped countries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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beggar

2 of 2

verb

as in to pauperize

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 beggar

Noun

So disguised as a beggar, Odysseus shows up at his palace, and he is not treated very nicely by the suitors who have camped out in his house. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 In Havana, beggars are ubiquitous. — Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025

Verb

Ria eventually uncovers a nefarious plot that beggars even euphemistic description in a spoiler-free universe. — Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2023 In its efforts to achieve benevolent hegemony, the United States tolerated being beggared by its neighbors. — Oren Cass, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beggar

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beggar

Noun

Per usual with movies like this, spelling out the terror (the roots are in hobo codes and religious legend) becomes, regrettably, a shock absorber, not a facilitator.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Schneider plays David, a reticent young man with the soulful-hobo air of a Beat poet, who makes a living as an events photographer but whose private passion is a secretive lifelong project, inherited from his father, documenting the changing Parisian suburbs.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 18 May 2026

Definition of hobo

Verb

There are some people who believe that new residents impoverish and take away from our quality of life and our schools.

— Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
At the same time, serving your nation shouldn’t impoverish you or prevent your spouse or children from having a career or saving for retirement.

— Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026

Definition of impoverish

Noun

Throughout much of Buddhist history, and particularly in Theravada Buddhist contexts, mindfulness and its associated meditation methods have been the purview of mendicants (monks and nuns), who used mindfulness meditation to achieve trance states (jhana) leading to nirvana.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
An internationally famous leader who lived a mendicant’s life.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of mendicant

Noun

Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Designed with a plunging neckline, modest bum coverage, and compressive fabric with UPF 50 sun protection, the elegant silhouette offers rich-girl vacation energy that could easily double as a bodysuit with shorts.

— Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 20 June 2026

Definition of bum

Verb

Japan extended the lead to 24-10 straight after when, after 16 phases, player of the match Ben Gunter busted through four Italians to touch down.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
In between the stress-busting movement, a raft of blood work and tests is conducted, with ultrasounds of my liver and thyroid, and equally crucial checks on muscle mass and bone density.

— Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Definition of bust

Browse Nearby Words

beg (for)

beggar

beggared

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of beggar

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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