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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of buck up
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
Dallas keeps bringing up last year’s six-game win over Colorado in an apparent effort to buck up themselves and their despondent fans, who are rending their garments over a meaningless seven-game losing streak to end the season.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
The small-town infrastructure was starting to buck up against NASCAR’s ascending popularity — something racing officials wanted to capitalize on by building state-of-the-art tracks out West.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buck up
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
Dallas keeps bringing up last year’s six-game win over Colorado in an apparent effort to buck up themselves and their despondent fans, who are rending their garments over a meaningless seven-game losing streak to end the season.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
The small-town infrastructure was starting to buck up against NASCAR’s ascending popularity — something racing officials wanted to capitalize on by building state-of-the-art tracks out West.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buck up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buck up
Verb
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Your 12th House of Secrets and Solitude brightens as the vibrant Sun invites rest, reflection, and forgiveness, helping your brave spirit release pressure.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
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The trees featured here flower at different times throughout the year and tolerate a range of growing conditions, offering beautiful options to brighten any landscape.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Your 7th House of Partnership steadies as boundary-setting Saturn arrives, encouraging clear agreements across your closest bonds so your diplomatic style can bring fairness without overgiving.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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The evening was more about the vibe; Gelman encourages all guests to dress up in fancy cocktail attire.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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It’s meant to be an enduring tribute that people years from now can look up.—
Shirley Halperin,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
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Things may be looking up at the Amazing AM.—
Richard Wagoner,
Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ahead, shop the outfits inspired by the Love Story costumes and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s closet.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
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The 139 rooms, suites, and residences are done up in neutral earth tones inspired by the hotel’s natural setting; most have terraces and balconies with mountain views.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Outdoors, a long communal dining table sits in the courtyard beneath glowing string lights, right next to the koi pond.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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The same pressure that consumed Glenn and teammate Ilia Malinin could not even touch Liu’s glowing aura.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 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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A week after reviving her Prince routine to honor fans during a meet at Minnesota, Chiles seamlessly transitioned back at Pauley Pavilion to her energetic routine set to a medley of hits by icons Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner.—
Los Angeles Times Staff,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
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While hair oils and sprays can temporarily revive dull strands, glosses and glazes are best for a long-lasting finish.—
Tessa Petak,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buck up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buck%20up. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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