1
as in to stay
to have or be in a usual or proper place your shoes belong in the closet, not in the middle of the living room where people will trip on them

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2
as in to pertain
to be the property of a person or group of persons those textbooks belong to the school system and not to the students

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 belong Even when he’s engulfed by neo-Nazi demonstrations, Talwar wants nothing more than to belong — a nerve-racking ethical tug-of-war that introduces a sense of danger. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025 This is a much longer project, and people don't belong living there right now. CBS News, 23 Feb. 2025 Parents frequently comment on the school’s welcoming environment, the level of individual attention their children receive, and the strong sense of belonging. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 According to Oldenburg, these third places are essential for fostering a sense of belonging and for maintaining a functioning civil society. Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for belong
Verb
  • Dairymen trade group stays neutral One big issue facing the Idaho dairy industry is the lack of a year-round visa program.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 27 Feb. 2025
  • One thing about Zendaya: sis gon’ stay booked and busy.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • While the content flagged for removal often pertained to minority groups and diversity months, the AP also reported that certain images were cause for confusion.
    James Factora, Them, 7 Mar. 2025
  • One of Estée’s other favorite flowers was the calla lily, and in her memory, the front hall of the home that used to belong to Lauder’s grandparents—a home that is today used for personal holidays and events, sometimes pertaining to Estée Lauder, the company—are decorated with calla lilies.
    Rachel Burchfield, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While holding onto resentment—or ignoring reality—can lead to distance and anger, letting go allows couples to move forward without carrying the weight of baggage.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Butler went from junior college to Marquette and then was a late first-round draft pick by the Bulls, needing to scratch and claw for playing time before emerging as an All-Star.
    Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Belong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/belong. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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