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bellying up

verb

present participle of belly up
as in coming up
to come near or nearer belly up to the buffet table and help yourselves

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 bellying up Once called ''the funniest woman on TV,'' Catherine O'Hara spends much of her time these days bellying up against a snooker table at the Squeeze Club, a Toronto juice bar and pool hall. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026 Across the river, Le Crocodile at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn brings a stylish, approachable scene for bellying up and indulging in sexy French cuisine. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026 Swashbucklers, scoundrels, bandits and buccaneers will soon be bellying up to the bar inside a lively new pirate pub at Walt Disney World that’s already booked solid for the first two months and promises to be a must-have reservation for visitors. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellying up
  1. coming up
  2. drawing on
  3. closing in
  4. approaching
  5. closing
  6. coming
Verb
  • Relatively wealthy developing countries, such as South Africa, have started coming up with much of the funding for their own HIV programs.
    — Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The defense remained fully engaged in the second half, coming up with two huge stops to prevent the game from heading in the wrong direction.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of coming up
Verb
  • By drawing on cues such as voice, facial expression, and behavioral patterns, the OlloBot OlloNi SS1 is designed to initiate interactions in certain everyday situations.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The production filmed at Berry Gordy’s first mansion and the Detroit Masonic Temple, while also drawing on local crews and talent.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of drawing on
Verb
  • The Guardians have won five straight and are closing in on a postseason spot.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Say, if Ferrari, which is closing in on another 20 years without a title, finally designs a pack-leading car and Leclerc is in the fight as much as Hamilton.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of closing in
Verb
  • But with the midterms approaching, Republicans are increasingly frustrated by the unexpected bromance, which threatens the party’s message about Democratic radicalism.
    — Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Semafor said Musk is one of a number of wealthy individuals that Paramount, led by CEO David Ellison, has considered approaching to join a syndicate of equity investors into the company.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of approaching
Verb
  • Ung, the son of Cambodian refugees and a onetime personal trainer turned reluctant doughnut maker, is closing the chapter on Monarch to rest — and weigh what might come next.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The 70-year-old sought within minutes of polls closing Sunday in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin to shore up his position in his center-right Christian Democratic Union.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of closing
Verb
  • Its south side is also home to several genuine luxury hotels (including Bulgari’s beloved resort in Uluwatu), with more planning to welcome guests in the coming months.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Sampeel Lightweight Long-Sleeve Top Speaking of easy-to-wear staples, this $9 Sampeel top is undoubtedly coming home with me.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of coming

Browse Nearby Words

bellying
bellying up
belly-land
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Cite this Entry

“Bellying up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellying%20up. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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