Antonyms for the expression "bears up against" are succumbs to, yields to, submits to, gives up, surrenders to, and gives in. These antonyms indicate weakness or inability to confront a difficult situation, and instead, give in to it. While "bears up against" refers to the act of dealing with a challenge despite the difficulties, these antonyms show the opposite-giving in to the obstacles instead of dealing with them head-on. It is crucial to stay strong and motivated when facing difficult situations, and not to give in to the challenges that life throws at us.