1
as in looking up
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 inspiring
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bucking up
Verb
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Imagine making a catch on the sideline, getting tackled and looking up at Ed Reed staring back at you.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026 -
Suddenly, the Dolphins aren’t just looking up at Buffalo and Josh Allen for the next decade.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And where once America built the best, most awe-inspiring buildings in the entire world, now they are instead increasingly found in places like Dubai and China.—
Lee Steinhauer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Jan. 2026
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Although Snook, who was nominated for a 2026 Golden Globe Award for All Her Fault, has not publicly shared her daughter's name, the actress credited her for inspiring her performance during season 4 of Succession.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ingredient call-outs include niacinamide, which has brightening and smoothing properties, and calming squalane.—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
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If your grout isn't horrendous with dirt or stains, this might be a great cleaner for brightening the lines.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There was a lot to like about Jovic’s performance on Saturday, with Heat veteran guard Norman Powell pushing and encouraging him along the way.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
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Salt-n-Pepa also joined in, and the group of artists concluded the set with a call-and-response moment alongside the crowd, encouraging everyone to scream along.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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It can also be used as a bench, bearing up to 355 pounds.—
Caitlyn Martyn
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FOXNews.com,
11 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Bucking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bucking%20up. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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