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.

Both sets of our parents were aging rapidly and reminding us of our own mortality.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Italy missed out on a spot at this summer's showpiece event when they were beaten 4-1 on penalties by Bosnia-Herzegovina in Tuesday's play-off.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Airline stocks were falling amid renewed worries about rising fuel costs, and how that could eventually hurt travel demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The researchers also observed distinct patterns of neural activity depending on whether the mice were exploring options or committing to a decision.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Maggie’s father had recently passed, and she and her little sister, Virginia, were temporarily living with their aunt Mabel and uncle Roy in Michigan while her mom finished nursing school back in Oklahoma.

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