as in light
something that provides illumination
the floodlit skyscraper is one of the city's most beloved nighttime beacons
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in to illumine
to supply with light
a lone lighthouse beacons the entrance to the island's only harbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of beacon
David Fleshler, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025
For centuries, America has been a beacon of freedom; every American has a responsibility to defend it.
—Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 27 Feb. 2023
In the meantime, January will beacon you into hermit mode, especially at the top of the month due to the Cancer full moon on Friday, January 6.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for beacon
Noun
Thousands gathered in Miami, with one group marching from the Torch of Friendship, built in 1960 as a welcoming beacon for immigrants coming from Latin America and the Caribbean, toward the Freedom Tower, built in 1925 and used in the early 1960s as a Cuban refugee center.
—David Fleshler, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025
For centuries, America has been a beacon of freedom; every American has a responsibility to defend it.
—Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
Verb
Growing underground with their luminous flowers beaconing through the soil, around 90 species of Thismia have been discovered.
—Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 27 Feb. 2023
In the meantime, January will beacon you into hermit mode, especially at the top of the month due to the Cancer full moon on Friday, January 6.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for beacon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beacon
Noun
-
The tool’s powerful suction leaves your floors without a trace of dust thanks to a laser light that highlights tiny specks, and its 60-minute run time allows for extensive cleaning.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
12 July 2025
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Our view of the Summer Triangle will become all the more spectacular on the nights surrounding the new moon phase on July 24, at which time the bright ribbon of light from the Milky Way may be visible from dark sky areas, tumbling directly through the cosmic triangle.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.—
Daniel Burke,
NPR,
9 May 2025
-
The lighting illumines each river in brilliantly bright backdrop colors.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Though the area is already filled with natural light, Gaines made sure to include plenty of ambient lighting like candles, lamps, and a tiered accent chandelier.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 July 2025
-
Once the bulbs are charged, they can be used in a lamp by plugging the socket into a little device that comes with the bulb.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Just as Baldwin illuminated Douglass’s historical critique, Ta-Nehisi Coates has extended this analysis to contemporary America.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
4 July 2025
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Nights are now the shortest, and the time that a satellite in low Earth orbit (like the ISS and Tiangong) can remain illuminated by the sun can extend throughout the night, a situation that can never be attained during other times of the year.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
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Just like art, lighting, and heirlooms, these elements are best collected to bring an authentic feel.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 July 2025
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While Christmas trees are integral to holiday decor, lighting and other thoughtful accents are just as important.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Sure, hygge has been overused a bit in the last few years (candles, fuzzy socks, etc.), but the real idea behind it is simple: comfort and connection.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Staff will take you step by step on how to make the candle of your choice.—
Katie Black,
Charlotte Observer,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beacon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beacon. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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