Synonyms for

Were

Verb / wɜ: / Another word for were — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Were is the past tense of 'to be'. It is used to describe something that happened in the past.

Synonyms & similar words

makeup personify embody differ cost comprise constitute represent live follow equal be exist was been existed occurred transpired happened arose emerged developed resulted betided befell befitted suited pertained applied

Common collocations

  • if we were
  • as if we were
  • what were
  • they were
  • we were
  • you were
  • there were
  • were to

Word family

verb be

Usage note

'Were' is the past subjunctive form of the verb 'to be'. It is used to express hypothetical or counterfactual situations, and in the past tense for 'you' and 'they'.

Example sentences

  1. We were late for school this morning.
  2. The flowers were beautiful in the garden.
  3. They were happy to see each other.
  4. I wish I were taller.
  5. If I were you, I would study harder.

Quotes

  • We are what we believe we are. - C.S. Lewis
  • We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. - Oscar Wilde
  • We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. - Anais Nin

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the and that for you with was this are have not from

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