bead 1 of 2

noun

ˈbēd How to pronounce bead (audio)
Definition of beadnext
as in glob
the quantity of fluid that falls naturally in one rounded mass squeeze a bead or two of glue onto the seam

Synonyms & Similar Words

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bead

2 of 2

verb

as in to pearl

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 bead
Noun
Bead by bead, maskers take months crafting intricate tapestries, rich in symbolism and allegory, before constructing them into ceremonial garments ready for war. — Harriet Shepherd, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025 Thoth booted two members after a parade-goer caught Confederate flag beads from the krewe. — Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
Occasionally, someone dressed it up or made out with it, and people liked to hang Mardi Gras beads around its neck, but nobody made it into a big deal. — Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 As for her accessories, Jenner went minimal, save for a pair of statement black beaded earrings. — Julia Teti, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bead
  1. glob
  2. pearl
  3. droplet
  4. pellet
  5. drip
  6. lump
  7. drop
  8. sphere
Noun
  • Beelzebub, however, is nothing but evil incarnate, first appearing as a sort of metaphysical pollution—a writhing black oil-like glob suspended in midair.
    — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2025
  • But, just like peanut butter—which is considered healthy for infants—Levinson says that cold, firm chunks or thick globs of butter may pose a choking hazard.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of glob
Verb
  • Condensation began to pearl at the edges of his rental face mask, an older model that pressed uncomfortably against his temples.
    — Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 9 Feb. 2024
  • Since bead materials can run the gamut—from glass to pearl to wood and beyond—Korn notes that some bead styles are inherently more casual than others.
    — Aemilia Madden, Harper's BAZAAR, 24 July 2023
Definition of pearl
Noun
  • In storm clouds, however, those additional droplets freeze into ice crystals, making the effects of aerosol particles on storms tricky to pin down.
    — Chris Wright, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Viruses spread through respiratory droplets released when coughing, sneezing, or talking.
    — Jennifer Welsh, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of droplet
Verb
  • The technique has produced delicious, consistent results from campsites in Big Sur, California, and Baja, Mexico—and in everything from frying oil to pellet grills to standard home ovens.
    — Wes Siler, Outside Online, 25 Nov. 2024
  • Extremely high temperatures inside the reactor in those first few days are believed to have melted parts of the zirconium alloy fuel rods and some of the uranium pellets themselves.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 16 Mar. 2011
Definition of pellet
Noun
  • In addition to the traditional coffee offerings, there are regular drip coffees, lattes, matcha and frappuccinos on the menu.
    — Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Its Byzantine look is punched with vivid colors and hints of Abstract Expressionist brushstrokes and paint drips.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of drip
Verb
  • She’s rarely lumped in with Miles, Bueckers and Watkins, whose names have dominated draft conversations.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Yep, it’s lumped in with heavy hitters like heroin and LSD.
    — Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of lump
Noun
  • The Chargers looked past Quentin Johnston’s 13 career drops at TCU and took him in the first round.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • That could be in the range of the biggest drop in sales in the company’s history, nearly twice the drop during the early months of the pandemic, when factories and showrooms were closed due to stay-at-home orders.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of drop
Verb
  • The night culminated with a countdown as a glowing geodesic sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing almost six tons descended from its lofty perch atop One Times Square.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2023
  • And young people are innovating outside that sphere as well, including Southern-gothic singer-songwriter Ethel Cain and art-rockers Geese.
    — Vulture, Vulture, 6 June 2022
Definition of sphere

Browse Nearby Words

beacons
bead
beaded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bead. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bead

Nglish: Translation of bead for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bead

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