Definitions

were

[wur, wer, wair] / wɜr, wər, wɛər /

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.

A 25-year-old in Tehran who works in software development said he hasn’t worked since the latest restrictions were enacted, as companies have downsized or shut down entirely because of the internet restrictions.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

There were two outs and two strikes on De La Rosa when he hit a changeup from Foss Bohlen to right field.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

A survey by the regulator found 84% of children aged eight to 12 were still using at least one major service with a minimum age of 13, as it warned stronger legislation may be needed.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

When Banksy’s first examples from this series were unveiled in London in 2005, the show caused a stir because he also arranged for around 200 live rats to infest the gallery.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

“They had no idea what they were doing.”

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