become

verb

be·​come bi-ˈkəm How to pronounce become (audio)
bē-
became bi-ˈkām How to pronounce become (audio)
bē-
 ; become; becoming
Synonyms of becomenext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to come into existence
b
: to come to be
become sick
They both became teachers.
2
: to undergo change or development
The pain was becoming more intense.

transitive verb

: to be suitable to
seriousness becoming the occasion
especially : to be becoming to
her clothes become her
see also:
become of

Synonyms of become

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Examples of become in a Sentence

Although I've known him for years, we didn't become close friends until recently. She won the election, becoming the first woman to be President of the nation. The book has become quite popular. We became interested in the property last year. The crackers had become stale. It eventually became clear that he had lied. This kind of behavior hardly becomes a person of your age and position.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If the boundary between them is compromised, the church too will become coercive. — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter. — Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026 This story will be updated as more information becomes available. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 5 July 2026 The Dyl, made with Bayab gin, passionfruit and dill, is named after the owner’s daughter and has become a popular option on the menu. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for become

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to come to, become, from Old English becuman, from be- + cuman to come

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of become was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing become

Rhymes for become

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Browse Nearby Words

becloud
become
becomed
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Cite this Entry

“Become.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/become. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

become

verb
be·​come bi-ˈkəm How to pronounce become (audio)
became -ˈkām How to pronounce become (audio) ; become; becoming
1
: to come or grow to be
a tadpole becomes a frog
the days become shorter as summer ends
2
: to look well on : suit
her suit becomes her

More from Merriam-Webster on become

Nglish: Translation of become for Spanish Speakers

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