bearable

adjective

bear·​able ˈber-ə-bəl How to pronounce bearable (audio)
Synonyms of bearablenext
: capable of being borne
bearability
ˌber-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce bearable (audio)
noun
bearably
ˈber-ə-blē How to pronounce bearable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of bearable

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Examples of bearable in a Sentence

He's in a great deal of pain, but the medication makes it bearable. the pain from a sprained ankle is annoying but bearable
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
To make their mission abroad bearable, the doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers of the Korean War turned to humor, especially practical jokes. — Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 But don’t let the relatable career-girl pluck of the movie dilute the fact that this song is pissed off about capitalism, even as its hooks make the grind of working life more bearable. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The same moral tact might apply, in less histrionic matters, to the ordinary deceptions and silences by which social life is made bearable. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Having books or coloring supplies on hand makes longer drives more bearable (for both parents and kids). — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bearable

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1557, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bearable was circa 1557

Rhymes for bearable

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Browse Nearby Words

bear's-weed
bearable
bear a hand
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Cite this Entry

“Bearable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bearable. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bearable

adjective
bear·​able ˈbar-ə-bəl How to pronounce bearable (audio)
ˈber-
: possible to bear
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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