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.

The software rally hasn’t been enough to put an end to the stock’s ongoing slump.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

“There is this pent-up demand, but it’s been stopped and stalled by these volatile mortgage rates,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at real-estate brokerage Redfin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

A report presented to the council stated that the pilot had been "broadly successful" so far, and that its impact looked positive.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

England cricketers and Saracens players often move in the same circles, and some of the Sarries squad had been present at Lord's.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

By 1425, the year of Joan’s first vision, England and France had been at war for decades.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly