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.

For decades, Gorbunova, Seluanov, and other researchers have been investigating how these animals stay so resilient.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

That shift has been beneficial for women, especially — and surprisingly — for mothers of young children.

From Salon • May 10, 2026

It has just been nominated for the following Tony Awards:

From BBC • May 10, 2026

The research achievements have been submitted for patents in multiple countries, and two patents had already been granted authorization at the time of the HKU announcement.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

How had she been stuck here for thirty minutes?

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