bearable

adjective

bear·​able ˈber-ə-bəl How to pronounce bearable (audio)
: capable of being borne
bearability noun
bearably adverb

Examples of bearable in a Sentence

He's in a great deal of pain, but the medication makes it bearable. the pain from a sprained ankle is annoying but bearable
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Still, for those who discover it, this tiny design detail can turn an uncomfortable seat into a slightly more bearable one. Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 23 June 2025 Or maybe a cold drink, your favorite sun hat, and a calming playlist make weeding the garden more bearable? Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025 Just having her around has made everything a lot more bearable. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 11 June 2025 The ultra-comfy skirt is made with an elastic waistband and crafted from stretchy, breathable fabric that makes the summer heat far more bearable, and it’s made with dual slits that won’t restrict your range of motion while facilitating air flow with every step. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bearable

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1557, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bearable was circa 1557

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bearable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bearable. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

bearable

adjective
bear·​able ˈbar-ə-bəl How to pronounce bearable (audio)
ˈber-
: possible to bear

More from Merriam-Webster on bearable

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