Definitions

were

[wur, wer, wair] / wɜr, wər, wɛər /

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.

"I still very much believe in myself. I still believe we're going to be fighting for race wins for the end of this year."

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

So I brought a soccer ball to set a lot, and just whatever space we’re in, we just kick a ball to each other every now and then.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

“We have demand picking up in the northern hemisphere globally and so far we’re not really seeing much dent in demand,” says Tracy Shuchart of NinjaTrader Group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Bowen said every country "has a fossil fuel profile" and that "we're all in this together".

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

When we’re done with the meal, Arlo and I cut into the triple-chocolate cake that Aunt J picked up for us after work.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold