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.

"I have been witnessing miracles of healing through the years because of this act of faith."

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Safety regulators have been investigating parts that exploded in otherwise survivable crashes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The draft resolution has been molded in a bid to rally several countries that have appeared skeptical, including Russia, China and France.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

He said officials did not yet know who was behind the breach or what data, if any, might have been targeted.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

How had she been stuck here for thirty minutes?

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