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

Home at Last Odysseus returned to Ithaca 20 years after his initial departure, disguised as a beggar. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026 In Homer’s Odyssey, Athena magically disguises Odysseus as an elderly man upon his return to Ithaca, rather than Odysseus simply dressing himself as a beggar. — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

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 Iraq entered a long, grueling period of international sanctions that beggared its once robust middle class. — New York Times, 31 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for beggar

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beggar

Noun

That deal includes handbags, fashion backpacks, hobos, totes, crossbody bags, sling bags, satchels, duffel bags and boot bags, along with belts, wallets, wristlets, passport cases and key chains.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Carl Sandburg’s 1927 American Songbag featured a whole section of hobo songs presenting the bum as a beau ideal.

— Caroline Fraser, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of hobo

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

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

The 300 block of East Trade Street is frequented by patrons of public transportation, panhandlers and the thousands of fans attending events at the Spectrum Center.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026
Some worry about robots replacing human jobs, even panhandlers.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of panhandler

Noun

Zellers poured the foundation, and Morrison hired fellow ski bums to do the framing, masonry, and tiling.

— Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Carl Sandburg’s 1927 American Songbag featured a whole section of hobo songs presenting the bum as a beau ideal.

— Caroline Fraser, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of bum

Verb

One accidental move could ruin the attempt, requiring a correction at best, and a possible restart at worst.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Others have used it to remove oily stains from their toddlers like crayon marks on carpet, and one reviewer says it’s saved many of their clothes from being ruined in a household with unavoidable messes from both kids and pets.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruin

Browse Nearby Words

beg (for)

beggar

beggared

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Beggar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beggar. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of beggar

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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