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.

There have been more than 900 suspected Ebola cases in the current outbreak and 220 suspected deaths, officials say.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The search at the couple's home and the seizure of the motorhome had been co-ordinated with a raid on the SNP's headquarters off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Along with Ituri, cases have been detected in DR Congo's North and South Kivu provinces, which border Rwanda.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The substance is believed to have been an irritant spray, identified by authorities as likely containing capsaicin - which is found in chilli peppers.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

I’d thought he might kiss me, but it had been only a few days since we’d found out my mom and I were moving.

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