Bearing the cost is a phrase that means to take responsibility for paying for something. However, there are several synonyms that can be used in its place such as footing the bill, covering expenses, bearing the burden, shouldering the cost, or defraying expenses. Each of these synonyms carries a slightly different connotation and can be used based on the context of the situation. For instance, footing the bill may imply that someone is paying for something on behalf of others, while shouldering the cost suggests that someone is willingly taking on an expense. Whatever the synonym used, the meaning remains the same; someone is paying for something.