speak up

verb

spoke up; spoken up; speaking up; speaks up

intransitive verb

1
: to speak loudly and distinctly
2
: to express an opinion freely
speak up for truth and justiceClive Bell

Examples of speak up in a Sentence

she's never been afraid to speak up at town meetings
Recent Examples on the Web However, the documentary isn’t the first time cast members of the Dan Schneider-run shows have spoken up. Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 Read Next Nurse used pain medicine meant for patients and left saline in its place, feds say January 17, 2024 12:47 PM Read Next California Fired Kaiser nurse spoke up for patient safety, lawsuit says. Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024 It's estimated that each time an employee witnesses lousy customer service and fails to speak up costs $54,511 a year. Dr. Cinque Parker, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 The fact is that Byron had spoken up for the downtrodden. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 Reaching up and bringing other people with me and advocating for people who otherwise might not be as confident in speaking up for themselves in some scenarios. Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 Wearing a gold-colored suit, hat and his trademark bow-tie, Farrakhan criticized Muslims around the world for not speaking up more for Palestinians. Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 26 Feb. 2024 Experts say a proactive internal safety culture in which hospital staffers do not fear retaliation for speaking up is essential to ensuring good outcomes. Katie Shepherd, Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2024 Since the Portland blowout, Calhoun has strongly emphasized in meetings with frontline workers the importance of their speaking up on quality and safety issues. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speak up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speak up was in 1681

Cite this Entry

“Speak up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak%20up. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on speak up

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