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.

L.A., of course, has been the major part of his adult life.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Burnham has been serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

It’s a radical notion, to say nothing of an extraordinarily expensive and time-consuming challenge for any orchestra given to a former music director, but Dudamel has never been one to take no for an answer.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Judge Paul Ramsey was told a medical report on Lady Donaldson has been completed and he will hear evidence on it on Wednesday.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

It doesn’t feel sad if you’ve been away.

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