as in to weigh (on or upon)
to push steadily against with some force
you need to bear down on that cap a bit to get it to latch tightly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
bear down on
2 of 2phrase
as in highlight
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
Our manager bore down on the need to meet upcoming deadlines.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear (down on)
Verb
-
After years of violence, corruption and poverty, governments are increasingly using authoritarian tactics, and the defense of democracy has taken a backseat to pressing domestic issues and economic agendas.—
Nora Gamez Torres,
Miami Herald,
10 Oct. 2025 -
But Altieri was looking through him, down at the ground, where Maricarmen was pressing her hand to the side of Rey’s bleeding face, and Carmelo was pulling off his T-shirt, handing it over to her.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Smith-Schuster and Branch exchanged words before the defensive back shoved the wide receiver in the helmet.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
-
And when push comes to shove, Rex is always there to back his partner Max Steiner up.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Multiverse’s argument that compressed models significantly cut energy use might also not hold up over time, because cheaper, more accessible AI models will likely attract billions more users.—
Vivienne Walt,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The pieces compress easily when not in use, and the pillowcase sleeve slips right over your suitcase handle for easy transport.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Oct. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Bear (down on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear%20%28down%20on%29. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share