BUCKLING Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

buckling

verb

present participle of buckle

as in collapsing

to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure the flimsy bridge buckled under the weight of the caravan of trucks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in devoting

to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention buckled himself down and finished the assignment in record time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 buckling Ben’s view Glover’s argument to keep away from Big Tech is indicative of the reality in Washington that the US political system is buckling in the face of ascendant corporate and tech power. — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Errol Flynn has never been better than in this buckling charmer. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026 Besides a seat belt’s safety factor, buckling in can also prevent you from a hefty fine from law enforcement. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026 As the front end accelerates, the downstream workflows responsible for adapting and validating that content are buckling under the pressure. — Benjamin Faes, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 The discovery of the buckling columns launched a major effort to shore up — or reinforce — the building’s weakest points, with crews using emergency jacks and installing new steel supports. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 Shortly after, the Fire Department responded to a report from construction workers that some of the steel support columns on the twenty-first floor were buckling. — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 11 July 2026 The off-limits area was later scaled back after work crews braced the buckling beams. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026 Layla Taylor posted a GIF of someone buckling their seatbelt. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for buckling

Verb

She’d previously been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can be brought on by overexertion, after collapsing from lower-body cramping and temporary leg paralysis during a 2025 playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces.

— Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
One that is visibly collapsing under the weight of its scared cows.

— Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of collapsing

Verb

Advisors can use technology to automate routine work, reinforce discipline and enhance consistency while devoting more time to relationships, decision making and portfolio construction.

— Alex Shahidi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
As a result, many web hosting services offer the platform, with WP Engine devoting all its resources to it.

— Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of devoting

Verb

Euphoric players cavorting in disbelief, long-suffering fans crumpling to their knees in tears, commentators’ voices cracking at the drama of it all.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Moses Moody scored 23 points before crumpling to the floor with an apparently serious left knee injury late in overtime as the Golden State Warriors beat Dallas 137-131 on Monday night, extending the Mavericks' home losing streak to 12 games, their longest in 32 years.

— CBS News, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

Definition of crumpling

Verb

Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
Before applying, make sure the lender offers loans for your specific trade school or career program.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of applying

Verb

In both the Midnight Screenings and Kinoscope, there are a lot of new voices in cinema, a lot of genre-bending stuff.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
And while the film's ending ultimately requires some logic-bending buy-in, the journey to get there is equal parts thrilling, fun, emotional, and ferocious.

— Megan McCluskey, Time, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of bending

Verb

For shopper Kori Farmer, The Grocery Spot helps stretch her budget while giving her access to fresh food close to home.

— Jamal Goss, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
The crisis is giving new urgency to an energy problem that Bangladesh’s garment manufacturers were already confronting.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026