bore 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈbȯr How to pronounce bore (audio)
Definition of borenext
1
as in to drill
to make a hole or series of holes in some woodpecker bored holes in our tree in the backyard

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to push
to force one's way with some effort, she bored through the throng of yelling protestors

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bore

2 of 3

verb (2)

as in to weary
to make weary and restless by being dull or monotonous the professor's lifeless and unimaginative teaching style bored the students to death

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bore

3 of 3

noun

as in yawn
someone or something boring for once, the graduation speaker wasn't a real bore

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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 bore
Verb
The novelist who wants to write about how young people (barely) get by in the world today has to explain why all of this overwhelm often translates into paralysis—without boring readers to distraction. — Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 Designed by Nathan Yong for Design Within Reach, the Line Credenza is proof that storage doesn’t have to be boring. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2026
Noun
These photos, too, bore traces of Surrealism, as evidenced by his portrait series of Magritte, whose iconicity reflects that of the artist himself. — News Desk, Artforum, 12 June 2026 Cabbage loopers feed on leaf undersides, creating windowpane patterns, while later larval stages chew holes or bore into cabbage heads, causing stunted growth or failure to form a head. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bore
  1. drill
  2. push
  3. weary
  4. yawn
  5. pierce
  6. squeeze
  7. tire
  8. drip
Verb
  • The 23-year-old outfielder has drilled 21 home runs against right-handed pitching, 10 on the road and six on the road against righties.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Another effective herbicide treatment involves drilling holes 8 inches deep into the stump and pouring herbicide into the holes.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of drill
Verb
  • The dramatic encounter saw both superstars push each other to their limits, culminating in a sense of finality for their long-standing rivalry.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • But a cheap currency also weakens Japan's purchasing power overall, pushing up costs for the imports of oil and other essential goods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of push
Verb
  • But for two hours the film is just set-piece after set-piece, backed by a deafening score, which becomes rather wearying.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 July 2026
  • Bram, his husband, has a demanding job at a museum in Rotterdam and Arnold’s bitterness has grown wearying.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Definition of weary
Noun
  • The post also included a snap of the rescuing officer clutching the cat — who appeared much calmer, caught on camera mid-yawn.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • As the wealth gap yawns ever wider, this has become a favorite question for storytellers to explore.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
Definition of yawn
Verb
  • Their headlamps piercing the watery dark, the group swims along (only Sara has accepted a life jacket), admiring the bats and stalactites while Wat reminds them to respect the caves.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • O’Connor’s face filled the screen, her crystal-blue eyes piercing me in my own living room.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026
Definition of pierce
Verb
  • Yet despite their clear burnout, most can’t afford to simply quit; not with the cost of living squeezing every paycheck, AI already closing in on entry-level roles, and one of the toughest job markets in years waiting on the other side.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • As a result, in 2015-16, regulators delayed the crab season for months, ultimately squeezing the typical seven months down to roughly two.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • In other words, an evening session does not just tire you out.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 23, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • The game slows not only because bodies tire more quickly, but because players begin pacing themselves earlier — conserving energy for the moments that matter most.
    — Alan McCall, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of tire
Noun
  • Adraina prefers her caffeine beverages on the sweet side as a latte, while Matt enjoys cold brew and drip.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Janet grabbed a roll of paper towels, ready to clean up the dirty drips that ran across her kitchen floor.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Definition of drip

Browse Nearby Words

borders (on)
bore
bore a hand
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Cite this Entry

“Bore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bore. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bore

Nglish: Translation of bore for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bore

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