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
Both bikes have fully adjustable suspension front and rear, with 120 mm and 118 mm of travel respectively. —Joe Salas may 25, New Atlas, 25 May 2025 With two brush bars on each side, the front cone rotates in one direction while the rear brush goes the opposite way. —Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 22 May 2025
Noun
It’s currently mired in a double-digit decline; yes, health care is generally weak this year, but Squibb is pulling up the rear. —Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 This part of the creature’s anatomy is similar to a batch of segments bearing respiratory organs at the rear of the body found in distant modern radiodont relatives like horseshoe crabs, woodlice and insects, Moysiuk said. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Verb
Advertisement Advertisement In Episode 5, though, vindictive Ellie finally reared her head again. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 12 May 2025 Margins Come Down, Investors Flee The higher cost of platform reared its head in the numbers: Operating expenses grew roughly 12% year-over-year. —R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes.com, 21 May 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
  • The Orioles loaded the bases in the eighth before the A’s called on closing pitcher Mason Miller, who struck out back to back batters.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
  • Bumgarner missed much of the 2020 season with a back injury and was 15-32 with a 5.23 ERA in four seasons before being released after four starts in 2023.
    — Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of back
Noun
  • The approximately $65 million project will add up to 1,600 seats and feature 12 field-level suites, 44 loge boxes, 148 ledge seats and 882 club seats.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 31 May 2025
  • Its configuration – with 14 seats wrapping around the busy kitchen – sets the tone for the elaborate meal.
    — Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of seat
Verb
  • The property is complete with a seating area, plunge pool, raised beds, and a greenhouse workout facility.
    — Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025
  • Stay hydrated: Since dry mouth raises gum disease risk, make sure to drink plenty of water.
    — Mark Gurarie, Health, 29 May 2025
Definition of raise
Verb
  • The regular season is winding down this month, but the Summer for the City festival is coming up, and a crew is erecting a stage near the central fountain.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 30 May 2025
  • According to the lawsuit, the Williamses erected a shed against the church’s fence.
    — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 30 May 2025
Definition of erect
Verb
  • The company is making a credible effort to build that foundation from the ground up.
    — Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • But Apple’s academy will be for small-to medium-sized businesses, according to Apple’s press release, not training workers or building infrastructure to produce iPhones the way it is done in China or India.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
Definition of build
Verb
  • In the decades since, PEOPLE has grown to become the iconic brand it is known as today — expanding from a newsstand-only publication to now include digital news coverage and social media coverage, as well as a new app, among other ventures.
    — Nicholas Rice, People.com, 8 June 2025
  • The industry continued to grow until 2020, when a combination of weather and economic conditions dealt setbacks to farmers and processors alike.
    — Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of grow
Noun
  • Spiny lobster tails make their way north from Marathon’s Key’s Fisheries.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
  • And while there's no telling what caused the gator to sport a stump where its tail should be, reptile expert Robert Mendyk from the Audubon Zoo has a few theories.
    — Rachel McRady, People.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of tail
Verb
  • Use mindful mantras and relaxation practices to foster your spiritual growth.
    — Essence, Essence, 2 June 2025
  • Instead, it should be embedded into the entire organization with security-minded professionals integrated into multiple teams to foster a more resilient and proactive security stance.
    — Travis Runty, Forbes.com, 2 June 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 10 Jun. 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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