as in light
something that provides illumination
the floodlit skyscraper is one of the city's most beloved nighttime beacons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to illumine
to supply with light
a lone lighthouse beacons the entrance to the island's only harbor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of beacon
Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Work will focus on updating all traffic signals and street lighting; installing and replacing rectangular rapid flash beacons; constructing curb extensions; upgrading utilities; and creating additional bus shelters at the Kenmore Place stop.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 27 Feb. 2023
In the meantime, January will beacon you into hermit mode, especially at the top of the month due to the Cancer full moon on Friday, January 6.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for beacon
Noun
The report recommends several short- and long-term safety measures to include new signs for drivers and trail users, lighting beacons at crossings and reducing the speed limit to 50 mph from 55 mph south of Northwest 126th Avenue.
—Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Work will focus on updating all traffic signals and street lighting; installing and replacing rectangular rapid flash beacons; constructing curb extensions; upgrading utilities; and creating additional bus shelters at the Kenmore Place stop.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
Growing underground with their luminous flowers beaconing through the soil, around 90 species of Thismia have been discovered.
—Melissa Breyer, Treehugger, 27 Feb. 2023
In the meantime, January will beacon you into hermit mode, especially at the top of the month due to the Cancer full moon on Friday, January 6.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for beacon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beacon
Noun
-
Auroral arcs form when fast-moving electrons, juiced by Alfvén waves, hit atoms in our atmosphere, releasing light in towering bands.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Afternoon light sweeps across the terrace, casting long shadows along arches and curved walls.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
These fruits are tiny stars, planets in arm’s reach, little moons reddened by desire and cunning, the sun, at each step, illumines the petals of the dogwood flowers, their bright yellow is dimmed by no leaf, on their still-bare branches the first fissure in winter opens up by magic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2025
-
Rev 21:10), an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world.—
Daniel Burke,
NPR,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
To overturn them, the next president needs only to rub the same genie’s lamp.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Uma suggests Target's mod touch-sensor lamp and ceramic table lamp or Wayfair's petal lamp, which all add shape and color.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
From December to March, the Winter Circle (sometimes called the Winter Hexagon)—a large, circular-type pattern made up of some of the brightest stars—illuminates the night sky and is fully visible in January and February.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Once stationary, turn off all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The other big hit for me was Spellbound by Magic Castle, an experience inspired by the legendary magician Cardini (Richard Valentine Pitchford) that replicates a 1920s speakeasy complete with mood lighting, furnishings, and curiosities from Hollywood’s Magic Castle.—
Fran Golden,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Sunshine bounced in through the plantation shutters, providing excellent lighting to compliment the subtle coastal décor.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Use air fresheners, burn a scented candle, open the windows, sprinkle baking soda on carpets, set out a bowl of vinegar, or clean with scented cleansers.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
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Brass had its moment, but our experts say to leave behind the sleek metal and instead mix textures, patterns, finishes, and materials by adding this under-$30 rattan lamp and these pretty candle holders into your decor.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Beacon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beacon. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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