BUCKED UP Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

bucked up

verb

past tense of buck up

as in brightened

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

as in inspired

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 bucked up While waiting for help, stay bucked up inside your vehicle. — Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bucked up

Verb

Kristin opened her mouth a little, not to speak, and the angel brightened, and the man’s voice got farther away.

— Gabriel Winslow-Yost, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Much of the route ran beside a long wall covered in street art, which brightened the otherwise industrial surroundings.

— David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of brightened

Verb

Redelinghuys said Umzi’s executive Chef Mensah Thompson is excited to bring South African cuisine and menu items inspired from other African countries.

— Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
The Larchmont restaurant is named for Rosenthal’s parents and has earned raves — and inspired long lines — for its comfort food and warm atmosphere.

— Brent Lang, Variety, 24 July 2026

Definition of inspired

Verb

Browning and Eveland developed the educational curriculum that would provide both an understanding and hands-on experience in a friendly environment where questions are encouraged.

— Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
Things slowly improved as drummers were encouraged at Arrowhead, but even a big turnout of 20,000 fans looked tiny in a stadium that could seat four times that number.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Definition of encouraged

Browse Nearby Words

bucked

bucked up

bucket

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bucked up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bucked%20up. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of bucked up

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

comely

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes