bear down on

phrase

Synonyms of bear down on next

next

1

: emphasize

2

: to weigh heavily on : burden

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of bear down on was in 1883

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Browse Nearby Words

bear down

bear down on

Beardslee trout

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Bear down on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bear%20down%20on. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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