GREW UP Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

grew up

verb

past tense of grow up

as in grew

to become mature everyone has to grow up at some point in their lives

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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 grew up The bagels are the creations of Moreira, who grew up in Argentina but learned quickly how to make bagels that caused a splash. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Her exploration of the intergenerational legacy of war on her family includes reconstructing a replica of the home in Vietnam where Duong’s father and siblings grew up. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 The concept of sisterhood was already inescapable for Cole, who grew up the middle of three sisters, played team sports, and even joined a sorority. — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 The music superstar grew up steeped in the ethic of self-reliance. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026 Boyle, who grew up near Manchester, related to the chip on Lamb’s shoulder. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026 Heyward grew up in the Atlanta metropolitan area, playing on the East team, and Freeman was an Orange County native, representing the West. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 As the trio grew up on Nebraska high school fields, the Huskers tripped and slipped to a 7-17 record during their senior seasons. — Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The arrest took place on Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, near Youngstown, where York grew up. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grew up

Verb

In Washington Park, the original report that 10 people had been shot in the attack grew to 15 over the course of Sunday morning, as authorities connected the incident to people who had self-transported for medical treatment.

— Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Over the last four decades, American labor income grew 57% while capital income grew 136%, and the households on the wrong side of that gap are not there by choice.

— Michael Faulkender, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of grew

Verb

Mayer had some early success with her jab, but Cameron increasingly took control as the fight progressed and landed the cleaner punches before hurting Mayer with a right hand in the eighth round.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Dion has largely stepped back from performing since canceling her Courage World Tour as her condition progressed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of progressed

Verb

Nicotine pouch use attracts younger adults as well, with 5% of adults aged 18 to 29 and 7% of those aged 30 to 49 reporting use, compared with just 1% of those 65 and older.

— Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The ship’s Nautilus Club on the 11th deck is a comfortable space, open most of the day, for kids aged 6 to 17 to hang out while their parents dine or hang out alone.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of aged

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grew (in)

grew up

griddle cake

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“Grew up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grew%20up. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of grew up

verb

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