HAS-BEEN Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

has-been

noun

ˈhaz-ˌbin

Definition of has-been

as in relic

one that has passed the peak of effectiveness or popularity now a has-been, the actor's been reduced to appearing on a third-rate reality show

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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.

Recent Examples of has-been In the Seventies, he was mocked as a Vegas has-been in a jumpsuit; in the Eighties, as a cultural colonizer. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026 Ken Blake Brea Sorry to see Jerry Neuheisel leave UCLA to join traitor and coaching has-been Chip Kelly at Northwestern. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026 All this success begs the legitimate question of how the once-struggling reality show for has-been celebrities reinvented itself and became a pop-cultural phenomenon that any public figure would be lucky to utilize as their re-introduction into the zeitgeist. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Nov. 2025 In other words, the vainly hopeful Larry is about to endure twin humiliations, leaving him feeling bumped out of his life and into the past—a has-been, instantly old. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2025 DiCaprio makes a great, vital has-been, squinting at the horrors around him in disbelief, but mostly, driven by the need to protect his child. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Sep. 2025 And as alcoholic has-been Morris, Matthau was fantastically slovenly and cynical, an anti–role model for the ages. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 25 July 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for has-been

Noun

The upcoming release of 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball will feature Back-to-Back Gold Logoman patch autographed one-of-a-kind cards of Ohtani and Judge, taking those relics from jerseys worn in each of their 2024 and 2025 MVP seasons.

— Larry Holder, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Common areas offer barbecue grill, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and Route 66 relics.

— Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of relic

Noun

Aegon’s presence is overshadowed by that of Sunfyre, who prowls onto the scene, more like a dinosaur than a dragon.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Best serving platters for dip under $35 From kids to adults, no one can decline chips and dips from this fun dinosaur serving set.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of dinosaur

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“Has-been.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/has-been. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of has-been

noun

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