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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bare differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bare are bald, barren, naked, and nude. While all these words mean "deprived of naturally or conventionally appropriate covering," bare implies the removal of what is additional, superfluous, ornamental, or dispensable.

an apartment with bare walls

When might bald be a better fit than bare?

The synonyms bald and bare are sometimes interchangeable, but bald implies actual or seeming absence of natural covering and may suggest a conspicuous bareness.

a bald mountain peak

When is it sensible to use barren instead of bare?

The words barren and bare can be used in similar contexts, but barren often suggests aridity or impoverishment or sterility.

barren plains

In what contexts can naked take the place of bare?

While in some cases nearly identical to bare, naked suggests absence of protective or ornamental covering but may imply a state of nature, of destitution, or of defenselessness.

poor half-naked children

Where would nude be a reasonable alternative to bare?

While the synonyms nude and bare are close in meaning, nude applies especially to the unclothed human figure.

a nude model posing for art students

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
Adjective
Which brings me to the main point – the bike weighs a bare 289 lb (131 kg) – with Rosell having managed to shave a massive 117 lb (53 kg) from the stock Guerrilla's curb weight of 405 lb (184 kg). New Atlas, 2 July 2025 As ever, the immediate set is minimal: bare, except for tiered steps that run the length of the stage and a giant sign, EVITA, across the back (in what does feel like a contemporary spin, Eva Perón is presented here more as a brand than an icon). Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025
Verb
Mischa Lescot even occasionally bares his teeth at Antonin, in a display somewhere between intimidatingly vulpine and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 June 2025 Micro-minis, the shortest of shorts—any chance to bare the most of these 42 inches making up more than half my body. Laura Neilson, Vogue, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for bare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bare
Adjective
  • This is not mere speculation; it is based on empirical evidence.
    Chris Talgo, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Just a mere 90 feet away sat the tying run and a chance to shift momentum.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nearby is the kitchen, which is compact and simple as standard.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
  • These patterns are muted, simple, and still full of personality, like this pillow cover in indigo which looks exactly suited to a couch in a captain’s quarters, yacht-appropriate, or like a great porch nap pillow along a white rattan sofa.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even with the help of the train, rescuers hiked a mile along an exposed ridgeline above 5,000 feet, encountering high winds and freezing temperatures, to reach Wilson.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 24 June 2025
  • Iran would likely retaliate against U.S. troops stationed at exposed and vulnerable bases in Iraq and Syria.
    Reid Smith, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Throughout summer 2025, Gomez has been at the forefront of this year's most minimalist nail trends—from simple purple pastels to nearly naked glass manicures—but that hasn't always been her preference.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 5 July 2025
  • The first person to arrive at the home was a Warren County sheriff’s deputy, who saw Sarah lying naked on the floor of the couple’s bedroom.
    Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 2 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
  • Rather than pick up where Man of Steel left off, this sequel rewinds to Superman’s battle with Zod, revealing that none other than Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) was caught up in the damage of the Kryptonian slugfest.
    Will Harris, EW.com, 11 July 2025
  • The fourth and final season of Amazon's quirky-yet-depressing sci-fi comedy will premiere in full on August 25 on Amazon Prime Video, USA TODAY can exclusively reveal.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are over 20 flavors (watermelon’s a winner) to beat plain water for energy.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • Avocado and Lime For a creamier dressing, an avocado-lime blend can turn a plain salad into a savory and filling meal.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • At the corner of West Boulevard and Romare Bearden Drive, the majority of a 3.5-acre lot sits empty.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2025
  • The actor is actually photographed on an empty set, with one or two life-size props to give him his bearings; meanwhile, another camera superimposes the miniature set, in sync with the first camera.
    Andrew Tobias, Vulture, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bare. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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