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
Relevance
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
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 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
-
Layer recessed lights, sconces, and floor lamps to brighten low-light areas.—
Jody Garlock,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2026
-
With continued use, the eye gel can help reduce crow’s feet and other fine lines around the eye area, smooth out under-eye bags, and even brighten up the area for a more awake-looking glow.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Speaking between ballots, Tafoya repeatedly reminded delegates about the importance of winning the general election, while Schwarze encouraged them not to compromise their principles.—
Jay Gabler,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
-
Kramer said the attendance cap was intentional and designed to encourage visitors to attend events throughout the region.—
Ben Wheeler
May 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Across the lobby, Leda looked up from the stack of mail in her hands and smiled.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Be sure to wear a hat and carry enough water—or, just look up a local taxi.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Zaya's adorable smile might just be her best accessory in this green and pink tuxedo inspired look that was perfectly coordinated with Union and Dwyane at the Better Brothers Los Angeles Truth Awards in March 2020.—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
The rooms themselves are curated with an eye for design, pairing traditional Japanese architecture with midcentury Scandinavian furniture—Eames, Kjærholm, Finn Juhl—all available to purchase in the on-site design shop should your room inspire you.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
At sunset, the city starts glowing around you while traffic crawls silently below.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
28 May 2026
-
The bright light of Alnitak, the easternmost star in Orion's Belt, illuminates the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) to the left of the Horsehead, while Alnilam — the middle star in the hunter's belt — glows blue-white in the upper left.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Named after the historic Pacific Electric red car system, the venue aims to revive a sense of cultural connection in Los Angeles.—
Erica Olsen,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
-
Plemons also revived the group for the show’s 10th anniversary in 2016 at the same festival, with Kirsten Dunst in attendance.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buck up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buck%20up. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
