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.

Six other ships in the Strait were noted as having also turned around.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

It also stressed that such actions were "being closely monitored and dealt with firmly, with violators referred to the relevant authorities for legal action".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Market strategists were saying on Tuesday that escape velocity has likely been reached.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Only two other recordings before Francis’ were in 3/4 time, the Lewis James and the Billy Clarke versions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

“There you are, Trevor. I thought you were going to make me go looking again! Let’s get going.”

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