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 company has been working with consultants from Bain & Co. to strategize its cost-cutting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

After those students had been born, the 2008-09 financial crisis hit and birthrates plummeted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

In the Western area there has been a 13% increase in the trust's pelvic health physiotherapy service.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

"I told my daughters things had to happen this way - for their growth and for mine. It's been an amazing journey."

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“You knew I was taking up your evening after you’d been working here since early this morning, but you still came anyway.”

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