Synonyms of bucks up

bucks up

verb

present tense third-person singular of buck up

1

as in brightens

to become glad or hopeful

buck up, kids, it's not so bad as you're making it out to be

Synonyms & Similar Words

• brightens
• looks up
• cheers (up)
• lightens
• perks (up)
• revives
• glows
• encourages
• rejoices
• beams
• sparkles
• radiates
• livens (up)
• gladdens
• heartens

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• darkens
• saddens
• despairs
• desponds
• broods
• frets
• mopes

2

as in encourages

to fill with courage or strength of purpose

a surprise presidential visit to buck up the troops

Synonyms & Similar Words

• encourages
• inspires
• bears up
• cheers (up)
• buoys (up)
• inspirits
• chirks (up)
• emboldens
• reinforces
• heartens
• stimulates
• steels
• provokes
• animates
• enforces
• enlivens
• invigorates
• reassures
• strengthens
• assures
• stirs
• energizes
• fortifies
• rallies
• excites
• galvanizes
• quickens
• boosts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• daunts
• dispirits
• disheartens
• undermines
• saddens
• depresses
• weakens
• demoralizes
• debilitates
• enfeebles
• hamstrings
• intimidates
• psychs (out)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bucks up

Davidsen bucks up her balky husband with a bloodthirsty holler, stiffens her voice against doubt, and, in her final sleepwalking scene, taps into the tender stratum of Lady Macbeth’s subconscious. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026