bear market

noun

Synonyms of bear marketnext
: a market in which securities or commodities are persistently declining in value compare bull market

Examples of bear market in a Sentence

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.
Despite the anxiety among investors that the bull market has to end, and all the headwinds that can be pointed to that may cause a correction if not a bear market, 10 out of 11 sectors in the S&P 500 just beat earnings estimates. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Growth will almost certainly cool, but earnings rising 12% instead of 30% would hardly make a compelling case for a bear market. — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 And there is no doubt that there will be winners and losers this go-round, and probably a stock market correction or bear market along the way, but there is no need to try to guess when that might happen. — Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026 If a bear market arrives shortly after retirement, a cash reserve can allow a family to meet expenses without immediately selling long-term investments into weakness. — Steve Booren, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bear market

Word History

Etymology

bear entry 1 (one that sells in expectation of a price decline)

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bear market was in 1858

Rhymes for bear market

See All Rhymes for bear market

Browse Nearby Words

bear little relationship to/with
bear market
bear mat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bear market.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bear%20market. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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