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 company said in a confidential filing statement that there were “things we want to do that are likely easier as a private company,” but declined to elaborate further.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

She said refiners were better off using reserves than buying expensive crude on the spot market, which often costs more than what they can charge for refined products.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Chmielewski, who was also admitted to hospital with frostbite, further suggests that decisions were made haphazardly during the expedition, and that the company appeared unprepared.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Last year, that figure totaled 60% of U.S. residents External link who were under age 65, according to health policy research group KFF.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

In the interview, she shares memories of Japanese soldiers, some of whom were kind to her.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly