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

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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
The vessel 1303 appears to be carrying a drone on its rear deck. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 The bidirectional vehicle, with an identical front and rear, is also packed with sensors, including eight laser lidars; 10 radar units; 18 cameras; eight microphones (to hear emergency vehicles); and four thermal cameras to detect humans and animals in murky weather, dim lighting and fog. Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
When he was taken into custody, Philippi was at the rear of the vehicle, with the drone powered up, and the explosive device was armed and located next to the drone. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 Yet the latest iteration also imagines life at anchor with an indoor-outdoor relationship across two capacious exterior decks, plus a retractable swim platform at the rear. Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
The resulting positive press for Newsom has served as permission for other liberal politicians to rear their heads on X in his wake. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025 Romo finding a new home leaves the Patriots without another option if the struggles of a rookie kicker rear their ugly head during the season. Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rear
Adjective
  • Services cover conditions such as brain tumors, spine deformities, and chronic neck and back pain.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Several viewers pointed out how—despite his sheer excitement—Cannoli obliged by house rules and used a small ramp to get onto the couch instead of jumping up directly and risking a back injury.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The party is also likely to pick up a seat in Utah if GOP lawmakers are forced to redraw their House map.
    The Hill, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout Biglari’s numerous attempts to secure board seats at the chain, executives at Cracker Barrel have cited his executive compensation as proof of his ill intentions for the brand.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Among them were countless era-defining releases that are still among the best movies ever made—of any genre—from the haunting Rebecca to the gripping Rear Window, and the ravishing Vertigo to the hair-raising Psycho.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2025
  • There were times when raising kids, building careers, and paying bills felt overwhelming.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the week since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, lawmakers as well as institutions of higher learning have announced plans to erect statues in the conservative commentator's memory.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Ultra-nationalists loyal to the regime have erected tents in a massive camp around the government buildings to protect the president from the demonstrators.
    Sara Stridsberg September 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With vessels built today expected to operate for decades, how is Wärtsilä helping shipowners design and retrofit ships that can stay competitive and compliant through a fast-moving energy transition?
    Michaila Byrne, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • As a leader, putting your focus building a truly innovative organization can enable you to pull up and look at the equity landscape from a bigger picture lens.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Their curiosity grew after the highest DNA match was found linked to a family line in Romania.
    Claire Lempert, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • American craft beer, for example, has grown over the last 30 years to take nearly 15% of US beer sales by volume.
    Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are peacocks everywhere on this island, hundreds of them, maybe thousands, towing their long blue and green tails behind them.
    Sara Stridsberg September 15, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Comets are among the most captivating wanderers of the solar system — icy relics from its earliest days that blaze across the sky with glowing tails and mysterious origins.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, focus on fostering a culture of inclusivity, empathy and genuine connection.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Brian Pedro, director for the Department of Community Response, framed the fees as a way to foster self-independence, help offset operating costs and create a sustainable housing model.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rear. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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