was

[wuhz, woz, wuhz] / wʌz, wɒz, wəz /

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.

A US State Department spokesperson confirmed that the US was co-ordinating an approach "to protect our citizens, including the millions of visitors, fans, athletes and tourists expected during the Fifa World Cup".

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

During the campaign, Raimondo warned that the island was "driving people away" and that he had seen friends "leaving for university, unsure that they will come back".

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Before his foray into politics, Raimondo was studying for his A-levels, which he reportedly put on hold to make time for his campaign.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

As if the task was not challenging enough, authorities must now contend with mounting concerns over the outbreak of Ebola, centred on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

She was often featured in the society pages of newspapers and magazines, attending balls and galas.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly