1
as in to brighten
to become glad or hopeful
buck up, kids, it's not so bad as you're making it out to be
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to encourage
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a surprise presidential visit to buck up the troops
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of buck up
Read Bolton’s reporting: ‘Democrats dig in for shutdown to buck up demoralized voters’
Bibi at the White House:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is back at the White House today, meeting with President Trump.
—
Cate Martel, The Hill, 29 Sep. 2025
Defense gonna have to buck up yet again.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
And then, over the course of the six episodes, Julie does encourage him to buck up at a little bit.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
The outlook Going forward, will Brightline generate enough revenue to buck up its reserves and make a profit over the long term?
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for buck up
Cate Martel, The Hill, 29 Sep. 2025
Defense gonna have to buck up yet again.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
And then, over the course of the six episodes, Julie does encourage him to buck up at a little bit.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
The outlook Going forward, will Brightline generate enough revenue to buck up its reserves and make a profit over the long term?
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for buck up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buck up
Verb
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The electric blue shade adds such a fun pop of color to a summer wardrobe, instantly brightening up basics like white jeans, denim shorts, or neutral trousers.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
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The Magic Cream is packed with powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter to deeply hydrate, and vitamins C and E to brighten and protect your skin.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Verb
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Nick Engen and Taylor Calmus CBS To help encourage fathers navigating similar experiences, Taylor Calmus, creator of the popular online Dude Dad brand, visited the NICU ahead of Father's Day to surprise Engen and other dads with gift bags filled with supplies.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
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You are encouraged to sit and lounge and read.—
Rachel Brodsky,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Michael Cincinati was lying on the sand in Karbala, Iraq, looking up at the stars.—
Sydney Page,
Washington Post,
24 June 2026
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As the woman went to look up information about the battery, Pitman tried to figure out how the Tesla’s doors worked.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Verb
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Thomas Tuchel was appointed with the simple task of coaching England to a World Cup win, and England showed early signs of his tactical acumen, but also his ability to inspire his players.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
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Serving East African street food inspired by husband-and-wife owners Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere’s native Burundi, Waka delivers African flavors in small bites.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Verb
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In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, wildlife biologist Forrest Galante embarks on a nationwide quest to find the nation’s most bizarre and dangerous alien sharks – from glowing swell sharks to elusive sawfish – proving the ultimate shark adventure is right here at home.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
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The speakeasy-style room glows with a gold-leaf ceiling, ochre velvet sofas, and an extravagant cocktail menu.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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It can also be used as a bench, bearing up to 355 pounds.—
Caitlyn Martyn
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
11 Aug. 2025
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Harriet remembered there was something: inexpressibly affecting in the aspect of the frail little creature who had done such wonderful things, and who was able to bear up, with so bright an eye and so composed a countenance, under not only such a weight of sorrow, but such a prospect of solitude.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Businesses are betting on the World Cup, night markets and cultural events to revive Olvera Street.—
Angela Osorio,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
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Trump administration backs Arizona rules blocked by courts Republicans are hoping to revive state voter registration laws in Arizona that lower courts said conflict with federal rules and suppress the vote.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buck up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buck%20up. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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