bears up

verb

present tense third-person singular of bear up
as in encourages
to fill with courage or strength of purpose repeatedly borne up in times of adversity by his faith

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 bears up This annual migration has made nearby Churchill, Manitoba, an ideal destination for thousands of tourists each year who want to witness these bears up close. — Gloria Dickie, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Dec. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bears up
  1. encourages
  2. inspires
Verb
  • As the train passes under the Royal Gorge Bridge, Clawson encourages me to open the cab window, lean back, and look up.
    — Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • By featuring these leading organizations, the ranking sets a benchmark for employers across APAC and encourages businesses to place employee wellbeing, development, and inclusion at the core of their people strategies.
    — TIME Staff, Time, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of encourages
Verb
  • That dish inspires Grillbird’s glossy house sauce, sweetened just enough with pineapple juice and ketchup.
    — Allecia Vermillion, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The result is a near-perfect partner, who is doting and honest, and drives the villagers mad with envy — and inspires some nefarious actions from the likes of Elizabeth Debicki’s character, the tailor’s wife.
    — Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of inspires

Browse Nearby Words

bears out
bears up
bears (with)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bears up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bears%20up. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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