buoyed up

VERB

make light, encourage

Synonyms

WEAK

bolster boost buck up cheer cheer up encourage hearten keep afloat lift prop raise support sustain uphold

Antonyms

WEAK

bring down depress

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He has been buoyed up by the fact that war in the Middle East has seen countries turn to Ukraine for drone technology and expertise, both of which it can offer in abundance.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Neapolitan pizza does not need to be buoyed up by legends of Aeneas and his dish-eating crew: It stands on its own merits with a glorious and colorful past.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2022

I think she wanted to keep us buoyed up.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2019

It is not enough to lift all boats, their work suggests, if the poshest vessels are always buoyed up more than the humblest.

From Economist • Jun. 14, 2018

To my surprise, Maurice seemed buoyed up by my presence.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson