bearing 1 of 3

Definition of bearingnext
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bearing

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adjective

bearing

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verb

present participle of bear
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as in carrying
to hold up or serve as a foundation for the wooden bridge will only bear one truck at a time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in packing
to wear or have on one's person the right to bear arms

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in leading
to be positioned along a certain course or in a certain direction the path will bear north after that marked tree

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as in yielding
to produce as revenue an interest-bearing savings account

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun bearing contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bearing are carriage, demeanor, deportment, manner, and mien. While all these words mean "the outward manifestation of personality or attitude," bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

When is it sensible to use carriage instead of bearing?

The meanings of carriage and bearing largely overlap; however, carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

When could demeanor be used to replace bearing?

The synonyms demeanor and bearing are sometimes interchangeable, but demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

When might deportment be a better fit than bearing?

While in some cases nearly identical to bearing, deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

In what contexts can manner take the place of bearing?

While the synonyms manner and bearing are close in meaning, manner implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others.

the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders

Where would mien be a reasonable alternative to bearing?

The words mien and bearing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.

a mien of supreme self-satisfaction

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 bearing
Noun
Surprisingly, his tenure as Aquaman villain Black Manta in the tumultuous DC Extended Universe had no bearing on his cautious approach to accepting a Marvel role. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026 Gender dysphoria is a condition that has an important bearing on a child’s mental health, and policies concealing that information from parents likely violate parents’ rights to direct the upbringing and education of their children. Tim Snowball, Oc Register, 2 June 2026
Verb
Protesters carried signs bearing the names and photographs of environmentalists who disappeared. Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026 This is the power of bearing witness. Rabbi Evan Susman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bearing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bearing
Noun
  • The group struggled to find relevance in the aftermath of Kath’s death, largely thanks to shifting musical tastes.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
  • Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Rejoining would also generate yet more uncertainty for companies which are only just adapting to the new trading relationship, said Sean McGuire, a director at the Confederation of British Industry, a business lobby group.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Authorities said that in the days leading up to her disappearance, Moore exhibited behavior that was out of character, including a sudden absence and an abrupt change in social media presence, according to ABC News.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • One attack ad mocked Ossoff for playful college-era behavior.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Alex Young of Hidden Pictures will also exec produce, with Honey Trap’s Kaylee McGregor co-producing, and Chelsea Kujawa and Maria Ascanio overseeing the film for Lionsgate.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 June 2026
  • Since then, Sweeney has scaled up her ambition in acting and producing; never busier, Sweeney could well receive another Emmy nomination this summer.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • And director Spike Lee was having the time of his life on top of a bus.
    Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • The decision set new limits on federal prosecution of gun owners who are targeted simply for having a history of drug use.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The current unrest first erupted in May after Paz cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • Police say the woman was standing outside her home when a group in a car approached her.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • So, remember, by finding weeds, noting their location, relating them to a condition, and choosing corrective actions based on that condition, gardeners can begin to form maintenance diagnoses for their gardens through weeds.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
  • The young players seem to like how Harbaugh is teaching and relating, too.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Wait for 30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026
  • Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are heading to Apple TV for a new show, Brothers, which involves no murders and is meant to be rather heartwarming.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bearing. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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