Synonyms for

Was

Verb / wɑ:z / / wʌz / Another word for was — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Used to indicate the past tense of 'be', 'have', or 'do'.

Synonyms & similar words

makeup personify embody differ washington cost equal evergreenstate comprise constitute live follow be represent wa exist were existed occurred became came turned materialized went

Synonyms by register

Literary

dwelt abode

Antonyms

is will be exists lives persists

Common collocations

  • it was
  • there was
  • he was
  • she was
  • they were
  • I was
  • we were
  • you were

Word family

verb be

Usage note

'Was' is the past tense of 'to be'. It is used for singular subjects in the past, or for the second person singular in the past subjunctive. Avoid using 'was' in place of 'were' for the past subjunctive with plural subjects or 'you'.

Example sentences

  1. I was tired after a long day at school.
  2. He was happy to see his friends.
  3. We were late for the party.
  4. She was singing a beautiful song.
  5. They were playing in the park.

Quotes

  • Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.
  • The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.

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