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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bare differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bare are bald, barren, naked, and nude. While all these words mean "deprived of naturally or conventionally appropriate covering," bare implies the removal of what is additional, superfluous, ornamental, or dispensable.

an apartment with bare walls

When might bald be a better fit than bare?

The synonyms bald and bare are sometimes interchangeable, but bald implies actual or seeming absence of natural covering and may suggest a conspicuous bareness.

a bald mountain peak

When is it sensible to use barren instead of bare?

The words barren and bare can be used in similar contexts, but barren often suggests aridity or impoverishment or sterility.

barren plains

In what contexts can naked take the place of bare?

While in some cases nearly identical to bare, naked suggests absence of protective or ornamental covering but may imply a state of nature, of destitution, or of defenselessness.

poor half-naked children

Where would nude be a reasonable alternative to bare?

While the synonyms nude and bare are close in meaning, nude applies especially to the unclothed human figure.

a nude model posing for art students

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 bare
Adjective
Which brings me to the main point – the bike weighs a bare 289 lb (131 kg) – with Rosell having managed to shave a massive 117 lb (53 kg) from the stock Guerrilla's curb weight of 405 lb (184 kg). New Atlas, 2 July 2025 As ever, the immediate set is minimal: bare, except for tiered steps that run the length of the stage and a giant sign, EVITA, across the back (in what does feel like a contemporary spin, Eva Perón is presented here more as a brand than an icon). Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025
Verb
Mischa Lescot even occasionally bares his teeth at Antonin, in a display somewhere between intimidatingly vulpine and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 June 2025 Micro-minis, the shortest of shorts—any chance to bare the most of these 42 inches making up more than half my body. Laura Neilson, Vogue, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bare
Adjective
  • In 2024, 176 companies in the U.S. raised a mere $33 billion through their IPOs.
    Christopher Perkins, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Today, three years since the war started, shelling from Russian drones and artillery from across the Dnipro River — a mere mile away — is the worst yet, according to a CNN report.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Chris wore a simple navy blue polo shirt and khaki shorts combo, while Alexa showed off her growing bump in a white and blue floral dress — along with an Olympic logo necklace to complete her maternity style.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Enjoy 360-degree airflow that gently surrounds your neck — no exposed blades, just cool comfort from every angle.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • In exposed areas, the plants may need some staking.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Throughout summer 2025, Gomez has been at the forefront of this year's most minimalist nail trends—from simple purple pastels to nearly naked glass manicures—but that hasn't always been her preference.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 July 2025
  • The real Centre Court felt naked on Monday without those men and women marching to their official postings.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.
    Michael Abbott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Delle, devoid for so long from its intrinsic need for social interaction might be filling in the gaps by talking to himself.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • Testing reveals systematic therapy failures Against this complicated backdrop, systematic evaluation of the effects of AI therapy becomes particularly important.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
  • See the finds in Greece Off the coast of Greece, the Antikythera shipwreck continues to reveal its secrets, with recent excavations uncovering ancient sculptures and pottery.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Opponents and legal scholars maintain that the plain meaning and historical intent of the 14th Amendment protect those children's citizenship, and federal courts have repeatedly ruled against the Trump administration's interpretation.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
  • As a departure from the era of plain skinny ties, Lauren's wide, colorful neckties broke the mold, and his company grew from there.
    Diane J. Cho, People.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • At the corner of West Boulevard and Romare Bearden Drive, the majority of a 3.5-acre lot sits empty.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2025
  • The actor is actually photographed on an empty set, with one or two life-size props to give him his bearings; meanwhile, another camera superimposes the miniature set, in sync with the first camera.
    Andrew Tobias, Vulture, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bare. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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