bearable

adjective

bear·​able ˈber-ə-bəl 

: capable of being borne

bearability

ˌber-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

bearably

ˈber-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of bearable

• endurable
• tolerable

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

The same moral tact might apply, in less histrionic matters, to the ordinary deceptions and silences by which social life is made bearable. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Having books or coloring supplies on hand makes longer drives more bearable (for both parents and kids). — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 11 Aug. 2026

That means that — despite the heat not going anywhere — temperatures will become slightly more bearable through the next seven days. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Small adjustments over time are more effective (and more bearable) than radical changes later. — Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1557, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bearable

• arable
• parable
• terrible
• wearable
• repairable
• unbearable

Kids Definition

bearable

adjective

bear·​able ˈbar-ə-bəl 

ˈber-

: possible to bear