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 Iranians were confused and uncertain of what was happening,” the official said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

The economy was stabilised, public finances were secured and EU funds came in.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

“We in that war were all there because of the same thing.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Ravens ate the couple’s two eggs when they were left unattended for several hours.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

They were supposed to speak Michif exclusively, but since Simon was good at the language, their program instructors let it slide.

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