Finding the right bring up synonym depends on what you mean. When “bring up” means to mention a topic, useful alternatives include mention, raise, discuss, introduce, broach, address, and refer to. When it means raising a child, alternatives include raise, rear, nurture, parent, and foster. Because “bring up” has several meanings, choosing the right synonym requires attention to context, tone, and intent.
Quick Answer: What Is a Synonym for Bring Up?
The best synonym for bring up depends on the sentence.
- Mention — to talk about something briefly
- Raise — to introduce a topic or issue
- Discuss — to talk about something in detail
- Introduce — to present a new topic
- Broach — to carefully introduce a sensitive subject
- Address — to deal with an issue directly
- Refer to — to mention or point to something
- Raise a child — to care for and educate a child
- Rear — to raise and care for a child
- Nurture — to help someone develop and grow
So, if you are looking for a bring up synonym, first identify which meaning of “bring up” you need.
What Does “Bring Up” Mean?
The phrasal verb bring up has several common meanings in English. This makes it especially important to consider the surrounding words before replacing it with a synonym.
1. To mention a topic
“Bring up” can mean to introduce something into a conversation.
Example:
She brought up the problem during the meeting.
Here, “bring up” means mention, raise, or discuss.
2. To discuss an issue
It can also mean starting a conversation about a particular matter.
Example:
I need to bring up an important question with my manager.
Possible alternatives include raise, address, discuss, mention, and introduce.
3. To raise a child
“Bring up” can describe caring for and educating a child while they grow.
Example:
Her grandparents brought her up in the countryside.
In this sense, synonyms include raise, rear, nurture, parent, and foster.
4. To cause something to appear
“Bring up” can mean causing something to appear, especially information on a computer.
Example:
Click the button to bring up the settings menu.
Possible alternatives include display, open, show, retrieve, and call up.
5. To vomit
In informal English, “bring up” can mean to vomit something.
Example:
The child brought up some of the food he had eaten.
In this context, vomit, throw up, or regurgitate may be appropriate, depending on the tone.
30 Synonyms for Bring Up
Because “bring up” has multiple meanings, the following synonyms are grouped according to their actual usage rather than treated as interchangeable words.
1. Mention
Simple meaning: To talk about something briefly.
Example:
She mentioned the problem during lunch.
Best usage/context: Everyday conversations, writing, and situations where you simply refer to a subject without discussing it deeply.
2. Raise
Simple meaning: To introduce a topic, question, or concern.
Example:
He raised an important question at the meeting.
Best usage/context: Professional, academic, and formal discussions.
3. Discuss
Simple meaning: To talk about something carefully or in detail.
Example:
We discussed the new project yesterday.
Best usage/context: Meetings, classrooms, professional conversations, and detailed conversations.
4. Introduce
Simple meaning: To present a new subject for discussion.
Example:
The teacher introduced a new topic to the class.
Best usage/context: Formal discussions, presentations, lessons, and organized conversations.
5. Broach
Simple meaning: To begin talking about a difficult or sensitive subject.
Example:
She finally broached the subject of money.
Best usage/context: Sensitive, uncomfortable, or delicate topics.
6. Address
Simple meaning: To deal with or talk about an issue.
Example:
The manager addressed the employees’ concerns.
Best usage/context: Formal and professional communication, especially when dealing with a problem.
7. Refer to
Simple meaning: To mention or point to something.
Example:
The speaker referred to the recent changes.
Best usage/context: Formal writing, reports, presentations, and academic contexts.
8. Touch on
Simple meaning: To mention something briefly.
Example:
The article touches on several social issues.
Best usage/context: When a topic is mentioned without being explored in depth.
9. Bring into the conversation
Simple meaning: To introduce a subject while talking.
Example:
He brought the budget issue into the conversation.
Best usage/context: Natural conversational English when you want to emphasize introducing a subject.
10. Put forward
Simple meaning: To present an idea, suggestion, or proposal.
Example:
She put forward a practical solution.
Best usage/context: Meetings, formal discussions, business, and academic settings.
11. Propose
Simple meaning: To suggest an idea or plan for consideration.
Example:
The committee proposed a new approach.
Best usage/context: Formal situations involving plans, ideas, or recommendations.
12. Suggest
Simple meaning: To put an idea forward for consideration.
Example:
He suggested changing the meeting time.
Best usage/context: Everyday and professional English.
13. Cite
Simple meaning: To mention something as evidence or support.
Example:
The researcher cited several studies in her report.
Best usage/context: Academic writing, research, legal writing, and formal arguments.
14. State
Simple meaning: To say something clearly.
Example:
The report stated the main reasons for the decision.
Best usage/context: Formal writing and situations requiring clear, direct communication.
15. Address a concern
Simple meaning: To talk about and deal with a worry or problem.
Example:
The director addressed concerns about workplace safety.
Best usage/context: Professional, organizational, and formal communication.
16. Raise an issue
Simple meaning: To introduce a problem or matter for discussion.
Example:
She raised an issue about the project’s deadline.
Best usage/context: Workplace meetings, formal discussions, and problem-solving situations.
17. Open up
Simple meaning: To begin talking about personal thoughts or feelings.
Example:
He opened up about his worries.
Best usage/context: Personal conversations and emotional topics. It is not a general replacement for every use of “bring up.”
18. Talk about
Simple meaning: To speak about a particular subject.
Example:
We talked about our plans for the weekend.
Best usage/context: Casual, everyday English.
19. Discuss with
Simple meaning: To talk about something with another person.
Example:
I discussed the problem with my supervisor.
Best usage/context: Professional and everyday conversations.
20. Bring to attention
Simple meaning: To make someone aware of something.
Example:
She brought the error to my attention.
Best usage/context: Formal and professional communication.
21. Raise a question
Simple meaning: To introduce a question for consideration.
Example:
The report raises an important question.
Best usage/context: Academic, analytical, professional, and formal writing.
22. Display
Simple meaning: To make information appear on a screen.
Example:
The application displayed the requested information.
Best usage/context: Technology and computing contexts where “bring up” means making something appear.
23. Open
Simple meaning: To make a file, page, menu, or program appear.
Example:
Click the icon to open the settings.
Best usage/context: Computers, websites, applications, and digital instructions.
24. Retrieve
Simple meaning: To obtain information that is stored somewhere.
Example:
The system retrieved the customer’s account details.
Best usage/context: Technology, databases, records, and formal technical language.
25. Call up
Simple meaning: To make information or a screen appear.
Example:
The technician called up the customer’s account.
Best usage/context: Computing and informal technical conversations.
26. Raise a child
Simple meaning: To care for and educate a child as they grow.
Example:
They raised three children together.
Best usage/context: General English when discussing parenting and childhood.
27. Rear
Simple meaning: To care for and educate a child while they grow.
Example:
He was reared by his grandparents.
Best usage/context: Formal or somewhat traditional English, especially when discussing upbringing.
28. Nurture
Simple meaning: To support someone’s growth and development.
Example:
Good teachers nurture children’s curiosity.
Best usage/context: Education, parenting, personal development, and professional development.
29. Parent
Simple meaning: To raise and care for a child.
Example:
They parent their children with patience and care.
Best usage/context: Modern discussions about childcare, parenting, and family life.
30. Foster
Simple meaning: To care for and support a child who is not your biological child, or to encourage development.
Example:
The couple fostered a young child for several years.
Best usage/context: Childcare and family contexts; it can also mean encouraging the growth of an idea, relationship, or quality.
Comparison Table: Bring Up Synonyms
| Synonym | Main Meaning | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mention | Talk about briefly | Neutral | She mentioned the issue. |
| Raise | Introduce a topic | Neutral/Formal | He raised a concern. |
| Discuss | Talk about in detail | Neutral | We discussed the problem. |
| Introduce | Present a new topic | Formal/Neutral | She introduced the subject. |
| Broach | Start a sensitive discussion | Formal | He broached the subject carefully. |
| Address | Deal with an issue | Formal | The manager addressed the complaint. |
| Refer to | Mention or point to | Formal | She referred to the report. |
| Touch on | Mention briefly | Neutral | The article touched on the issue. |
| Suggest | Put forward an idea | Neutral | He suggested a solution. |
| Propose | Present a plan | Formal | They proposed a new policy. |
| Display | Make information appear | Technical | The screen displayed the data. |
| Raise a child | Care for a child | Neutral | They raised two children. |
| Rear | Raise a child | Formal/Traditional | She was reared by her aunt. |
| Nurture | Encourage growth | Positive/Neutral | Parents nurture confidence. |
| Foster | Care for or encourage growth | Neutral/Formal | They fostered a child. |
Bring Up vs. Mention
“Bring up” and “mention” are often similar, but they are not always identical.
Bring up can suggest that someone actively introduces a subject into a conversation.
Example:
I didn’t want to bring up the argument.
Mention often sounds lighter and can simply mean referring to something.
Example:
She mentioned the argument during dinner.
Use mention when the reference is brief. Use bring up when you want to emphasize introducing the topic.
Bring Up vs. Raise
These two expressions are frequently interchangeable when discussing topics.
Bring up:
He brought up the problem during the meeting.
Raise:
He raised the problem during the meeting.
“Raise” often sounds slightly more formal and is especially common with words such as question, concern, issue, problem, objection, and point.
Bring Up vs. Discuss
These words have different levels of depth.
Bring up means to introduce a subject.
Discuss means to talk about the subject, usually with more detail.
Example:
She brought up the budget.
This tells us that she introduced the topic.
Example:
She discussed the budget with the team.
This suggests a fuller conversation about it.
Bring Up vs. Broach
Broach is particularly useful when the subject is difficult, sensitive, or uncomfortable.
Example:
I need to bring up a difficult subject.
A more formal alternative is:
I need to broach a difficult subject.
However, “broach” can sound more formal than ordinary conversational “bring up.”
How to Choose the Right Bring Up Synonym
The best synonym depends on your meaning, tone, and intention.
For casual conversation
Use:
- Mention
- Talk about
- Bring into the conversation
- Touch on
- Suggest
Example:
She mentioned her vacation plans.
These choices work naturally in everyday speech.
For professional communication
Use:
- Raise
- Address
- Discuss
- Refer to
- Put forward
Example:
The employee raised a concern about the schedule.
These words work well in meetings, emails, reports, and workplace conversations.
For sensitive subjects
Use:
- Broach
- Address
- Raise
- Open up
Example:
She carefully broached the subject of his behavior.
Choose broach when the emphasis is on starting a difficult conversation.
For detailed conversations
Use:
- Discuss
- Address
- Examine
- Talk about
Example:
The team discussed the proposed changes.
“Discuss” is usually better than “mention” when the conversation involves detailed consideration.
For ideas and suggestions
Use:
- Suggest
- Propose
- Put forward
- Recommend
Example:
She put forward a new idea during the meeting.
These words are useful when someone wants others to consider a possible solution or plan.
For raising children
Use:
- Raise
- Rear
- Nurture
- Parent
- Foster
Example:
Her parents raised her in a small town.
Do not replace this meaning with “mention,” “discuss,” or “broach,” because those words refer to conversation rather than child-rearing.
For technology
Use:
- Display
- Open
- Retrieve
- Call up
- Show
Example:
The program displayed the information on the screen.
Here, “bring up” refers to making information, a page, or a menu appear.
Common Mistakes When Using Bring Up Synonyms
Mistake 1: Using “mention” when detailed discussion is intended
Incorrect choice:
We mentioned the project for two hours.
If the conversation lasted two hours and involved detailed consideration, discussed is more natural.
Better:
We discussed the project for two hours.
Mistake 2: Using “broach” for ordinary topics
“Broach” generally suggests a sensitive or difficult subject.
Less natural:
She broached the weather.
Natural:
She mentioned the weather.
Mistake 3: Confusing “raise” with “rise”
Raise normally requires an object.
Correct:
She raised an important question.
Rise does not normally take a direct object.
Correct:
Prices rose quickly.
Mistake 4: Using “rear” in every parenting situation
“Rear” is a valid synonym for raising a child, but it can sound formal or traditional.
In everyday conversation, raise is usually more natural.
Natural:
They raised their children in Canada.
Mistake 5: Treating every synonym as interchangeable
Words can have similar meanings without being exact replacements.
For example, mention, discuss, and broach all relate to talking about subjects, but they communicate different levels of detail and sensitivity.
Always check the context before replacing “bring up.”
FAQs:
What is the best synonym for bring up?
There is no single synonym that works in every situation. Mention, raise, discuss, introduce, broach, and address are useful when “bring up” means introducing a topic.
What is a formal synonym for bring up?
Depending on the context, formal alternatives include raise, address, introduce, refer to, propose, and broach.
What is another word for bring up a topic?
You can say mention a topic, raise a topic, introduce a topic, discuss a topic, address a topic, or broach a topic.
What is a synonym for bring up a problem?
Useful alternatives include raise a problem, address a problem, mention a problem, discuss a problem, and point out a problem.
What is a synonym for bring up a child?
Common alternatives include raise, rear, nurture, parent, and foster. The exact choice depends on the intended meaning.
What is a synonym for bring up in conversation?
Mention, raise, introduce, discuss, broach, and refer to can work depending on the situation.
Is “raise” the same as “bring up”?
Sometimes. When “bring up” means introducing a topic, raise is often a close synonym. When “bring up” means caring for a child, raise is also a direct synonym.
Is “broach” a synonym for “bring up”?
Yes, when “bring up” means introducing a sensitive, difficult, or uncomfortable topic. “Broach” is generally more formal and specifically associated with delicate subjects.
Conclusion
The phrase bring up is useful because it can describe several different actions, from mentioning a topic to raising a child or making information appear on a screen. This variety means that there is no single synonym that fits every sentence.
For conversations, mention, raise, discuss, introduce, broach, address, and refer to are among the most useful alternatives. For parenting, raise, rear, nurture, parent, and foster are more appropriate. For technology, words such as display, open, retrieve, and call up may fit better.
The key is to identify the exact meaning of “bring up” before choosing a replacement. Once you understand the context, selecting the most natural synonym becomes much easier.
