rear 1 of 3

adjective

ˈrir How to pronounce rear (audio)
Definition of rearnext
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

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rear

2 of 3

noun

ˈrir How to pronounce rear (audio)
1
as in tail
a behind part or surface the rear of the car was sleekly designed

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2
as in seat
the part of the body upon which someone sits fell off her skates onto her rear

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rear

3 of 3

verb

ˈrir How to pronounce rear (audio)
1
as in to raise
to bring to maturity through care and education watched a documentary on how wolves rear their young

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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

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3
as in to build
to form by putting together parts or materials the city has plans for rearing a new convention center over the next two years

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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

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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
This immersive audio system brings Dolby Atmos and wireless rear channels into your living room at a fantastic discount. —Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025 The vessel’s appeal included its robust steel hull and open rear deck, which accommodates a 33-foot custom tender, myriad toys, and a dive center. —Katia Damborsky, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
The 2023 Mac mini is the perfect example, measuring 1.4 by 7.7 by 7.7 inches (HWD) and with a single cluster of ports on a rear I/O panel. —PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 Fins ensure the tethered craft stays facing into the wind while a small propeller at the rear keeps it from blowing off-target. —Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
All was well that ended well for Minnesota, but the end-of-game offensive incompetence continues to rear its head, and is a looming threat to short circuit any potential playoff run the Timberwolves hope to make this spring. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 2025 The ongoing war is not a focus of the doc but rears its ugly head like a pin threatening to burst the sanatorium bubble when the alarms go off. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rear
  1. back
  2. seat
  3. raise
  4. erect
  5. build
  6. grow
  7. tail
  8. foster
Adjective
  • Mahathir walks in the back yard of his residence in Selangor on Nov. 14, 2022.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 2 May 2025
  • Returning from California, and what would become the finale of her bucket list, a debilitating pain was now radiating throughout Madison’s mid-section to include her back and reproductive organs.
    — Carissa Talmage, People.com, 2 May 2025
Definition of back
Noun
  • At least 29 candidates sought to fill the vacant seat.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Mills is one of the most notable Democrats in the state who could challenge Collins for her swing Senate seat.
    — Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of seat
Verb
  • Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million in the year’s first quarter, an eye-catching amount that’s fueling speculation about her political future and potential ambitions.
    — Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The resulting footprint is T-shaped, creating numerous pockets of outdoor space just begging to be built out with cushy outdoor seating, raised garden beds, an al fresco dining room, or your very own lanai.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of raise
Verb
  • Construction equipment whines as workers erect towering bleachers in a downtown park.
    — Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The smoke that wafts from the chimney is created using chemical pellets that are burned in another stove that's connected to the stovepipe chimney, which is temporarily erected atop the Sistine Chapel just for that purpose.
    — Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of erect
Verb
  • While most telecom infrastructure companies race to build the next big thing in telecom, Grindle is focusing on something even more important: people.
    — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Combined with technology companies strengthening their security features, the momentum for these eco-friendly digital tools continues to build.
    — Allison Begalman, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of build
Verb
  • Donald was also able to give his medical history and recount the lunch to doctors, who grew concerned that gastroenteritis was not the sole cause of his symptoms.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 2 May 2025
  • Despite the emotional weight of a breakup, Ison used her time traveling abroad to grow personally, finding strength in embracing her emotions.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 May 2025
Definition of grow
Noun
  • In the video Millie was confidently walking along a park path, her own leash in her mouth, tail wagging, and clearly enjoying the freedom of a spring stroll.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • It's thought that the solar maximum occurred in October 2024, according to scientists at NOAA and NASA, though the tail of the peak can often bring with it intense magnetic activity.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of tail
Verb
  • She was sent to a shelter in Winston-Salem, N.C., which was in desperate need of people to foster the dogs coming from Asheville.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The initiative aims to foster climate resilience and sustainable development.
    — GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Definition of foster

Phrases Containing rear

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reaps
rear
reared
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Cite this Entry

“Rear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rear. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rear

Nglish: Translation of rear for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rear

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