Definitions

been

[bin, ben] / bɪn, bɛn /

VERB

exist

Synonyms

STRONG

abide act breathe continue do endure hold inhabit last live move obtain persist prevail remain rest stand stay subsist survive

WEAK

be alive go on have being have place

Antonyms

STRONG

cease depart die discontinue forsake give up go halt idle leave lose pass quit refuse reject stop

VERB

happen

Synonyms

STRONG

befall occur transpire

WEAK

come about come to pass take place

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

By comparison, Gallrein's task has been much simpler.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The review's author Dr Jan Melia, concluded that the notes should not have been discarded and that all material from the investigation should have been retained.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

"And I think the Chinese have been also the same."

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The report further found that information given by Lusby during a police interview was not properly recorded and that a statement should have been taken.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

I wondered, when they’d directed me this way, if my cousins had been joking.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith