letup

1 of 2

noun

let·​up ˈlet-ˌəp 

: a lessening of effort, activity, or intensity

let up

2 of 2

verb

let up; letting up; lets up

intransitive verb

1

a

: to diminish or slow down : slacken

b

: cease, stop

2

: to become less severe

—used with on

Synonyms

Noun

• slowdown
• decline
• deceleration
• drop
• slump
• retardation
• braking

Verb

• stop
• conclude
• end
• expire
• cease
• halt
• go

Examples of letup in a Sentence

Noun

the downpour continued for hours without letup

Verb

the rain let up just as we reached the house

the windmill slowed down as the wind let up

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There was no letup in the effort with a huge lead, either. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025

Icon Sportswire via Getty Images There is no letup in Inter Miami’s schedule in 2025, and its progress to the Leagues Cup semifinals means another meeting with Florida rivals Orlando City on Wednesday night. —James Nalton, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Verb

Once the Packers took the lead, the defense never let up. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025

In the second half Miami let up not an inch on defense, with Atlanta not crossing the goal line until five minutes remained. —Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for letup

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

Kids Definition

letup

1 of 2 noun

let·​up ˈlet-ˌəp 

: a lessening of effort or force

let up

2 of 2 verb

1

: to slow down : slacken

2

: to come to a stop : cease

the rain let up

3

: to ease off : be less severe

—used with on