rear 1 of 3

as in back
being at or in the part of something opposite the front part go to the back of the building and look out the rear window and you'll see the eagle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rear

2 of 3

noun

rear

3 of 3

verb

1
2
as in to erect
to fix in an upright position it took all the men in the village to rear the frame for the barn, pulling hard at the ropes until all the sides were standing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
as in to grow
to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care an amateur who rears rare orchids in a professional-grade greenhouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rear contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rear are boost, elevate, heave, hoist, lift, and raise. While all these words mean "to move from a lower to a higher place or position," rear may add an element of suddenness to raise.

suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs

When could boost be used to replace rear?

While the synonyms boost and rear are close in meaning, boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push.

boosted his brother over the fence

How does the word elevate relate to other synonyms for rear?

Elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

In what contexts can heave take the place of rear?

Although the words heave and rear have much in common, heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

When can hoist be used instead of rear?

While in some cases nearly identical to rear, hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

When might lift be a better fit than rear?

The words lift and rear are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

When is raise a more appropriate choice than rear?

The words raise and rear can be used in similar contexts, but raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.

scouts raising a flagpole

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 rear
Adjective
Missouri is one of the 29 states that requires vehicles to use front and back license plates, while Kansas vehicles only need the rear one, according to an article on Insurance.com. Eleanor Nash july 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025 The rear camera array is rounded out by a 10MP telephoto lens with iOS, an aperture of f/2.4, a 36-degree FoV, and 3x optical zoom. PC Magazine, 10 July 2025
Noun
At the rear the quad-lamp taillights remain, but the exhaust outlets and lower bumper are revised and have a more cohesive and upscale appearance. Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The carbon frame boasts DW-Link suspension with a rock-gobbling Fox Float X rear shock, while a Float 38 fork provides confidence-inspiring cushioning up front. Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 26 June 2025
Verb
Those simulation elements also rear their head in environmental hazards. Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025 Thursday morning rears a bright and warm beginning to the 27th annual Austin Central Texas Juneteenth parade. Nyla Stanford, Vogue, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rear
Adjective
  • Kaylan bowed out after the 2017 tour, following back surgery and two heart procedures.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Dianne witnessed Tiffany sneaking the card into her back pocket and confronted her.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • The company eliminated middle seat bookings and waived change fees, despite that no doubt affecting the bottom line.
    Philip A. Nardone, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • And there is a major backlog there, with long waits for seats.
    Sharon DeVivo, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Money raised will prioritize private residential nursing care, additional support services and ongoing transport and palliative care needs.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • Attorneys in death penalty cases often raise the issue of past trauma as a mitigating factor for juries to consider when deciding punishment.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Of course, the powers that be erected giant roadblocks to try to hinder him — and failed.
    Jeremy Helligar, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • Long after the burn scars fade and new facades are erected, communities will be altered permanently.
    Umair Irfan, Wired News, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Teens benefit most from opportunities that blend rigorous academics or real-world work, meaningful mentorship, and hands-on projects — experiences that build skills and confidence long after college applications are done.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • For instance, social connection lifts our mood and benefits health overall — and friends can hold people accountable when building new, healthy habits.
    Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • And while Disney frequently has strayed outside of Anaheim – building theme parks in places like Florida and France and China – it’s also continued to grow locally.
    Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • The rookie knows that’s the only way to grow in the hectic environment of the NBA Summer League.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • After gently capturing the gull in a pillowcase, Shaffer affixed a small, lightweight GPS tracking device to her tail, reports SFGate’s Amanda Bartlett.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • There was this sentiment in the air off the tail of these Forever shows.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Travis noted that a significant number of these operations are family-run, passed down through generations, fostering a unique sense of community and heritage.
    Amelia Wu July 19, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
  • If social interaction soothes you, ensure your work environment fosters conversation and connection, rather than isolation.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rear. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rear

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!