belay

verb

Definition of belaynext
as in to fasten
to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure The climber belayed the rope.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of belay The ship’s resting place deep underwater helped preserve key features, like bow clamps and belaying pins, by limiting the growth of invasive quagga mussels, as noted in the release. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Drinking should happen after you’re done belaying for the day. — Outside Editors, Outside Online, 3 July 2025 So the climbers who found the elk helped rig him up to belay the creature to the base of the wall, officials said. — Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2025 Born as a design concept to give climbers a shoe to wear for quick access to the crag, comfort when belaying and recovery after a climb, the Kragg fills a need. — Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for belay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belay
  1. fasten
  2. tie
  3. clip
  4. clinch
  5. pin
  6. clench
  7. strap
Verb
  • Instead, metal strips showing the current registration were fastened atop the existing plate.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The splintered timbers, fastened together by rusted iron, emerged near an area where remains believed to be from the Warren Sawyer, a wooden schooner lost in 1884, have been found before.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of fasten
Verb
  • But that also ties some kids’ savings to a single company’s fortunes.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Shen is one of China’s biggest stars and is closely tied to comedy.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of tie
Verb
  • Ohtani clipped Drake Baldwin’s mitt with his bat and was awarded first base for catcher’s interference.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Gen Z Wants to Go Ghost, Not Girlboss That said, the characters do have to be worth clipping, and love him or hate him, Ryan Murphy has always had a knack for creating fictional people who feel bigger than whatever nonsensical story spawned them.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of clip
Verb
  • Ellison clinched the deal by sweetening the offer price and bringing his father, Larry Ellison, in to personally guarantee funding.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The White Sox haven't clinched a playoff series at home since the 1906 World Series victory over the Cubs.
    — Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of clinch
Verb
  • As the cloud approached me, a change in the pressure of the dream medium would pin me down by the chest, leaving me unable to breathe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • With no threat of a rushing attack, UCF began to pin its ears back and send more rushers at Craig, who was sacked twice in the second half and pressured on countless other dropbacks.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of pin
Verb
  • Anyone who’s seen a movie before will know to clench at Nelson’s close attention to such random and innocent people.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026
  • This can lead women to clench their jaws or pelvic muscles, or grind their teeth.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of clench
Verb
  • Until then, Hill will keep his workouts going and wait for the chance to strap on pads and start playing in the NFL once again – that is if a team wants his services in 2026.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • AirsFish Soccer Shin Guards for Kids Breathable and sweat-absorbent, these shin guards strap around the foot to stay securely in place.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of strap

Browse Nearby Words

belauds
belay
belayed
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Cite this Entry

“Belay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belay. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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