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.

"I just feel that we're wasting our lives in here and rotting away," Craig said.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

“That’s partly port capacity; it’s partly . . . rail interconnections. It is a variety of factors that are there, and we’re looking to tackle all of those in a comprehensive way,” Carney said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

At the time, Kennedy said that HHS supported “safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. That’s why we’re moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions.”

From Salon • May 20, 2026

We lost a huge chunk of bands that were the stepping stones for where we’re at now.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

“It’s wonderful that you and your dad have such a good relationship and that you can help him like that. It does feel wonderful when we’re acknowledged for the efforts we put in, doesn’t it?”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam