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.
That means that — despite the heat not going anywhere — temperatures will become slightly more bearable through the next seven days. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Small adjustments over time are more effective (and more bearable) than radical changes later. — Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 22 July 2026 Right now, the above style is Amazon’s best-selling pair of women’s jeans, thanks to its stretchy material that makes all-day wear extra bearable. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 16 July 2026 Their open-cell design wicks away sweat and moisture, helping make your session a bit more bearable. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 July 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bearable

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bearable

Nglish: Translation of bearable for Spanish Speakers

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