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.

The album is structured to trace the arc of a relationship, which means that the second half dips into the heartbreak we’re used to getting from Rodrigo.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

“Her father was a great leader, and she has a coherent team that can pull the country out of the mess we’re in,” said Carlos Sigüeñas, a businessman on the outskirts of Lima.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

"At the end of this year and into 2027, we're likely to see very high temperatures globally," Prof Scaife said.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

"We know from the inside what we're capable of, and now it's about showing it."

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

“All right, we’re leaving,” Dad says between clenched teeth.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold