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 Lakers, of course, were second — 20.9% ahead of the Rams.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

He said the Rams were talented, and then he pointed to his left at McVay.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Researchers concluded that the "lowest risks" were observed among those people who were doing high levels of both aerobic exercise and strength training.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Like their immortal counterparts, these two thoroughly enjoy their work, and they especially delight in knowing their vampires go against the grain of the type of bloody romance 20- and 30-something viewers were raised with.

From Salon • May 26, 2024

“Joey’s exploit saved the lives of all those men who were rushing to save us,” Gertie later wrote.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly