Synonyms

behold

American

[bih-hohld] / bɪˈhoʊld /

verb (used with object)

beheld, beholding

to observe; look at; see.

Synonyms:

discern, watch, view, regard

interjection

look; see.

And, behold, three sentries of the King did appear.

behold British

/ bɪˈhəʊld /

verb

to look (at); observe

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

beholdable adjective
beholder noun
unbeholdable adjective

Etymology

Origin of behold

First recorded before 900; Middle English beholden, Old English behaldan “to keep”; be-, hold ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fact: The speed, power, and precision of U.S. air and naval power is indeed something to behold.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

"This was an incredibly surprising thing to behold," Lima said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Even when her film is utterly befuddling, it’s a joy to behold.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

He tells me, I try that, it works for me, and lo and behold when the race comes, I might beat him.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

At the sound of boots on stone, the Lord of the Iron Islands lifted his eyes to behold his last living son.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023