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
Missouri is one of the 29 states that requires vehicles to use front and back license plates, while Kansas vehicles only need the rear one, according to an article on Insurance.com. —Eleanor Nash july 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025 The rear camera array is rounded out by a 10MP telephoto lens with iOS, an aperture of f/2.4, a 36-degree FoV, and 3x optical zoom. —PC Magazine, 10 July 2025
Noun
At the rear the quad-lamp taillights remain, but the exhaust outlets and lower bumper are revised and have a more cohesive and upscale appearance. —Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The carbon frame boasts DW-Link suspension with a rock-gobbling Fox Float X rear shock, while a Float 38 fork provides confidence-inspiring cushioning up front. —Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 26 June 2025
Verb
Those simulation elements also rear their head in environmental hazards. —Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025 Thursday morning rears a bright and warm beginning to the 27th annual Austin Central Texas Juneteenth parade. —Nyla Stanford, Vogue, 20 June 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
  • Kaylan bowed out after the 2017 tour, following back surgery and two heart procedures.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Dianne witnessed Tiffany sneaking the card into her back pocket and confronted her.
    — Alex Gurley, People.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of back
Noun
  • The sky’s most seasoned travelers share their go-to seats for comfort, quiet, and quicker exits.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Of the 152 seats the AfD currently has in the Bundestag , 42 are direct seats, where the respective candidates individually won the districts by majority.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
Definition of seat
Verb
  • Business leaders must raise their voices—not just for equity, but for the sustainability and competitiveness of their own industries.
    — Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Bonilla, who was born and raised in the Bronx, said spending a lot of money as a player was never a big deal for him.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
Definition of raise
Verb
  • Singularity or not, Silicon Valley has already erected a parallel universe.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025
  • The structures are erected every morning and disassembled every night.
    — Dado Galdieri, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Definition of erect
Verb
  • Teens benefit most from opportunities that blend rigorous academics or real-world work, meaningful mentorship, and hands-on projects — experiences that build skills and confidence long after college applications are done.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Calder nodded to Red Aspen, a Boise cosmetics startup that built a new headquarters on Overland Road in 2022, and JST Manufacturing, a semiconductor equipment manufacturer, which in 2021 consolidated three sites into one near the corner of Franklin and Eagle roads on Meridian’s eastern border.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2025
Definition of build
Verb
  • The rookie knows that’s the only way to grow in the hectic environment of the NBA Summer League.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Under the Special Measures Agreement, the joint framework that governs this arrangement, Seoul's payments have grown over time.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of grow
Noun
  • Separating the tail from the body is prohibited in state waters.
    — Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 5 July 2025
  • Australian Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye, two cold water lobster tails, and a bottle of Daou Pessimist wine — also is available for $199.
    — Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Definition of tail
Verb
  • But what’s needed is a place to truly foster and nurture those connections.
    — Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025
  • By taking these steps, your recommendation will effectively showcase your nephew's potential while upholding the integrity of the hiring process and fostering workplace harmony.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Definition of foster

Phrases Containing rear

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rear
reared
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Cite this Entry

“Rear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rear. Accessed 18 Jul. 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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