1
as in collapsing
to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure
the flimsy bridge buckled under the weight of the caravan of trucks
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devoting
to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention
buckled himself down and finished the assignment in record time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of buckling
Today, that architecture is buckling.
—
Philippe Bolopion, Time, 1 Feb. 2026
Riley Keough plays the titular, volatile lead singer of the Six, a massively popular ‘70s rock group that's buckling under interpersonal romances and jealousies.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
Schneider Electric’s future North American headquarters at Winthrop Center uses digital controls to consume 60% less electricity than a typical Boston office building, easing strain on a grid already buckling under the weight of data centers, electric vehicles, and electrified heating.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Lakos-Bujas reiterated his tactical preference for stocks that are sensitive to the low-end consumer, a group that’s been buckling under years of higher-than-preferred inflation rates.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
Perched a knee-buckling 1,000 feet above the street with four bedrooms and five bathrooms, the over 5,100-square-foot penthouse is the only full-floor residence in the building.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2026
By the time Mom is buckling the car seat, the shots are done.
—Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
At the end of season one, Dana was experiencing an existential crisis; her decades-long dedication to the ER was buckling under the brutal realities of the modern health care system, compounded by a violent attack by a disgruntled patient.
—Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
Before dying of cancer in 2013, Chávez handpicked Maduro as his successor, entrusting him with a country already buckling under the weight of dependence on oil, and the realization that prosperity was coming to an end.
—Jorge Valencia, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026
Philippe Bolopion, Time, 1 Feb. 2026
Riley Keough plays the titular, volatile lead singer of the Six, a massively popular ‘70s rock group that's buckling under interpersonal romances and jealousies.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Jan. 2026
Schneider Electric’s future North American headquarters at Winthrop Center uses digital controls to consume 60% less electricity than a typical Boston office building, easing strain on a grid already buckling under the weight of data centers, electric vehicles, and electrified heating.
—Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Lakos-Bujas reiterated his tactical preference for stocks that are sensitive to the low-end consumer, a group that’s been buckling under years of higher-than-preferred inflation rates.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
Perched a knee-buckling 1,000 feet above the street with four bedrooms and five bathrooms, the over 5,100-square-foot penthouse is the only full-floor residence in the building.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2026
By the time Mom is buckling the car seat, the shots are done.
—Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026
At the end of season one, Dana was experiencing an existential crisis; her decades-long dedication to the ER was buckling under the brutal realities of the modern health care system, compounded by a violent attack by a disgruntled patient.
—Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
Before dying of cancer in 2013, Chávez handpicked Maduro as his successor, entrusting him with a country already buckling under the weight of dependence on oil, and the realization that prosperity was coming to an end.
—Jorge Valencia, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buckling
Verb
-
Fans of the show have been split on the meaning of the series’ ending, which saw Eleven sacrificially remaining behind in the collapsing Upside Down while her friends escaped.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
-
One argues that LRDs are really gas clouds collapsing into black holes—that the red glow is a violent birth rather than an adolescent feeding frenzy.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Firm research shows mom-and-pop investors are typically devoting only a small portion of their overall portfolios to these speculative plays, while keeping most of their money in more traditional investments.—
Yun Li,Kate Rooney,Alex Harring,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
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The state is devoting $50 million in federal grant funding this year to cancer screening, prevention and treatment.—
Virginia Barreda,
Des Moines Register,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The sixth inning also featured a frightening moment when Cleveland’s David Fry, squaring around to bunt, took a 99 mph fastball from Skubal off his face, crumpling to the dirt as Skubal reacted with distress.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Singh’s truck blocked both lanes of the northbound Turnpike, leading the Chrysler Town & Country minivan the three friends were riding in to slam into the semi’s 18-wheeler trailer, crumpling underneath it.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to Isaks, some gamblers will try to handicap these bets, applying some sort of statistical analysis to find an edge.—
David Hill,
Rolling Stone,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The brand is applying its expertise in sportswear materials to key apparel and footwear pieces, including Terrex Xperior Loose Fill hooded jackets, Frehiker 2 Gore-Tex Climawarm+ hiking shoes, and a jacket featuring innovative Primeknit construction.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Although the legislation impacts renters and landlords across the city, the proposal was introduced after residents of the Serra Grove apartment complex complained their new landlord was bending substantial renovation rules to clear out longtime renters and re-list units at double the price.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
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Harvesting plants grown on trellises requires less bending and stretching and can be easier on your back.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This research marks the first time scientists have identified the specific amino acids — arginine and tyrosine — that act as molecular glue, giving spider silk its legendary properties.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
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There are also giant granite boulders dotting the shore, giving it a decidedly remote, rugged feel.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buckling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buckling. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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