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Definition of barenext
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bare

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective bare differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bare are bald, barren, naked, and nude. While all these words mean "deprived of naturally or conventionally appropriate covering," bare implies the removal of what is additional, superfluous, ornamental, or dispensable.

an apartment with bare walls

When might bald be a better fit than bare?

The synonyms bald and bare are sometimes interchangeable, but bald implies actual or seeming absence of natural covering and may suggest a conspicuous bareness.

a bald mountain peak

When is it sensible to use barren instead of bare?

The words barren and bare can be used in similar contexts, but barren often suggests aridity or impoverishment or sterility.

barren plains

In what contexts can naked take the place of bare?

While in some cases nearly identical to bare, naked suggests absence of protective or ornamental covering but may imply a state of nature, of destitution, or of defenselessness.

poor half-naked children

Where would nude be a reasonable alternative to bare?

While the synonyms nude and bare are close in meaning, nude applies especially to the unclothed human figure.

a nude model posing for art students

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 bare
Adjective
Aaron left the hospital and drove to a local Walmart, entering the store with his formerly bare feet now cloaked in surgery booties, and purchased hedge trimmers big enough to snip down the branch. Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 The ants can also be pests by creating bare patches around their nests. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
Higgins, who has been a fixture in reality TV since breaking out as one of the more memorable cast members from the fifth season of Love Island UK, is no stranger to having her raw emotions bared on national television. Charlotte Hu, Time, 24 Apr. 2026 The key location of Rambla de Barrachina, a spectacular gorge in the Aragón province of Teruel, bares more than just a resemblance to Morocco’s picturesque landscape. Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bare
Adjective
  • Every piece of content is now viewed as a potential point of sale, and platform algorithms are increasingly prioritizing content that drives conversion over mere entertainment.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
  • Xabi Alonso has been exposed to far too much elite football wisdom to be labelled a mere Guardiola disciple, but his style of play offers the path to a positive form of continuity while his status in the game commands far greater respect than any BlueCo hire since Mauricio Pochettino.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The useful answer may be simpler than expected once the real priority becomes obvious.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The decor with sheepskin rugs and arm lamps for reading lights is neither flashy nor overtly quirky, but simple and homey, as if it were designed by a tasteful Scandinavian grandmother who relocated to the wilds of Patagonia.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The outer layers of the star will eventually cool and disperse, leaving a nebula of ex-stellar material surrounding the sun's core, which will then become an exposed cooling stellar remnant called a white dwarf.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The objective is to reduce exposed equity within the entity in a lawful and structured manner.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Spider mites, which are difficult to see with the naked eye, appear mostly in dry conditions and cause speckled or mottled leaves that later turn yellow.
    Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 19 May 2026
  • Cynteria’s naked body was found in August 2000 on a grassy swale next to Miami Edison High School.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • Long, patient takes devoid of nondiegetic elements immerse us in Misael’s rudimentary existence, with birdsong and cracking branches working together with DP Cobi Migliori’s handsome long-shot compositions to create a trancelike atmosphere.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
  • The first is that, for now at least, this is a fairly low-key and easy-to-watch western drama, largely devoid of the culture war button-pushing that makes Sheridan shows likeLandman and The Madison so maddening.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • At the time, makeup artist Jazzy B revealed that the party included toys, slides and even a ball pit in several posts shared on Instagram.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
  • The marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub (and Natura Bisse amenities) is separated from the bedroom by a set of wooden shutters that can be opened to reveal the room and the outdoor view beyond, if desired.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • These tiny, plant-feeding arachnids hide in plain sight.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
  • The Vantamo Quilted Crossbody Bag has thoughtful security features like RFID-blocking card slots and an anti-pickpocket zipper clip, yet still looks chic rather than a boring, plain option.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Some rest their coats, bags and umbrellas on the empty chair next to them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Perfume bottles, empty picture frames, and books arranged by color turn shelves and desks into the curio cabinets of an eclectic collector.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bare. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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