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.

Government departments were told to tighten their belts, reduce travel and stay in cheaper hotels abroad.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Australia said the concessions were necessary to secure an agreement with the EU.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Actor Tori Spelling and seven children were injured after being involved in an accident Thursday in Temecula.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

A force spokesperson said inquiries were ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact officers.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

They set up freaking playdates, like we were toddlers, and that was the last straw.

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