1
as in brightened
to become glad or hopeful
buck up, kids, it's not so bad as you're making it out to be
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inspired
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a surprise presidential visit to buck up the troops
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bucked up
While waiting for help, stay bucked up inside your vehicle.
—
Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bucked up
Verb
-
The filmmakers have lightened and brightened their source material to a kid-friendly degree — even the English countryside, as glisteningly shot by George Steel, has never looked less overcast.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The rich buttermilk ranch dressing is brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest, which balances the tang of buttermilk and sour cream with the savory herb notes of chives and basil.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
What a shame if our children’s children could not be inspired by the wonders of the night sky.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The killings inspired community concerns about security at the multistory complex in the Brownsville neighborhood, including what some said was a need for more security cameras.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
My mother looked bewildered and even Father looked up.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Cassidy looked up the studies Kennedy raised and read through them during the hearing.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Behavior that had long been tolerated, if not encouraged, would no longer be accepted.—
Hillary Busis,
Vanity Fair,
26 Apr. 2026
-
This paper editorialized in support of that petition and encouraged the state’s attorney to voluntarily step aside.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bucked up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bucked%20up. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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