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 justice …

—Clive Bell

Synonyms of speak up

• speak out
• shout
• cry
• talk up
• yell
• pipe up
• spout (off)
• sound off

Examples of speak up in a Sentence

she's never been afraid to speak up at town meetings

Recent Examples on the Web

Coach Powers's departure should not limit his cooperation or anyone else's, and the players who have spoken up must be protected. — Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Child Mind Institute guidance on communicating with teenagers emphasizes listening, validating feelings and creating space where kids feel safe speaking up. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026

The singer has also spoken up on LGBTQ+ rights, among other concerns. — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Power dynamics, hierarchy and fear can all prevent people from speaking up, especially within male groups. — Katie Hurley, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for speak up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

: speak out