1
as in mere
being this and no more
impoverished people who can no longer afford the bare necessities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in simple
free from all additions or embellishment
do you want to know the bare truth?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exposed
lacking a usual or natural covering
the ground was bare, without a trace of grass
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in naked
lacking or shed of clothing
the toddler liked to run around bare
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in devoid
lacking contents that could or should be present
the cupboard was bare—not a thing to eat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in void
utterly lacking in something needed, wanted, or expected
the cupboard was bare of baking supplies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to reveal
to make known (as information previously kept secret)
finally bared the secret that she had kept to herself for so long
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bare
Sean Murphy, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
Crews used backhoes and their bare hands Wednesday to dig through piles of debris that stretched for miles along the Guadalupe River in the search of missing people.
—Sean Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
Sean Keane, ABC News, 23 June 2025
Since its humble beginnings as a spontaneous late-night strip show at a New York City bar, Broadway Bares has grown into a full-scale production featuring elaborate costumes, themed choreography, celebrity cameos and dozens of Broadway performers who bare (almost) all in the name of a good cause.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bare
Adjective
Crews used backhoes and their bare hands Wednesday to dig through piles of debris that stretched for miles along the Guadalupe River in the search of the missing.
—Sean Murphy, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
Crews used backhoes and their bare hands Wednesday to dig through piles of debris that stretched for miles along the Guadalupe River in the search of missing people.
—Sean Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
Verb
Barbara Walters is best known as the legendary TV broadcaster who convinced world leaders, celebrities and controversial figures to bare their souls before audiences of millions.
—Sean Keane, ABC News, 23 June 2025
Since its humble beginnings as a spontaneous late-night strip show at a New York City bar, Broadway Bares has grown into a full-scale production featuring elaborate costumes, themed choreography, celebrity cameos and dozens of Broadway performers who bare (almost) all in the name of a good cause.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bare
Adjective
-
The intrepid agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service first met each other mere episodes prior but had already embarked on a love affair for the ages.—
Ryan Coleman Published,
EW.com,
25 July 2025
-
Prices for wine consumed at home rose a mere 0.9% over that span.—
Russ Wiles,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
-
This involves flexible decision making beyond simple automation.—
Ian Gotts,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
The formal living room sports soaring ceilings lined with exposed beams, while the more casual family room is surrounded by walls of windows and topped with a skylight for even more natural light.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
17 July 2025
-
Yet, the bill pares back support for wind and solar projects that typically complement gas plants—potentially leaving the grid more exposed, not less.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Meteor showers are best observed with the naked eye, with a telescope or binoculars a poor choice.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
As the name indicates, these insects are nearly impossible to see with your naked eye.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.—
Michael Abbott,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Delle, devoid for so long from its intrinsic need for social interaction might be filling in the gaps by talking to himself.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
14 Feb. 2023
Verb
-
As The Washington Post reported, a study of 500 large companies revealed that last year saw the fewest DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) references in corporate financial statements since 2020.—
Time,
Time,
23 July 2025
-
Our deep dive last week revealed that the BBC was leaning towards showing the series on both linear and iPlayer.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
But also take your time in crafting the perfect order of its plain pie — simply tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil — or its white pie — with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, butter, garlic, olive oil and basil.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
25 July 2025
-
Across social media, we’re told drinking plain water is passe, subpar, and incredibly basic.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Soft yet sturdy, linen bags like this are durable enough to hold a laptop, books, and other travel essentials, yet they can be tucked into your pocket when empty.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
19 July 2025
-
The footage shows Murphy inside an empty tent, looking out of the clear PVC window and sitting in the corner, seemingly in a huff.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bare. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share