been

[bin, ben] / bɪn, bɛn /

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.

The model hasn’t been tested in a prolonged market downturn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The Hansard record of parliamentary proceedings suggests it has been used nearly 3,000 times in the Commons and Lords since 2006.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

"Christina has been sleeping heads down in the middle of the vehicle, kind of like a bat suspended from our docking tunnel," Wiseman explained, describing their preferred spots for shut-eye.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Much of Iran’s leadership is in hiding, and U.S. and Israeli officials say its command and control has been disrupted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

He rubbed his stomach; it must’ve been growling, too.

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