speak up

verb

spoke up; spoken up; speaking up; speaks up
Synonyms of speak upnext

intransitive verb

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

Examples of speak up in a Sentence

she's never been afraid to speak up at town meetings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Allegheny County is taking steps to protect renters who speak up about unsafe living conditions, with a new law already showing early impact. Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 12 June 2026 Consider speaking up in a meeting and stating a clear boundary with a co-worker, using steady words that match your actions for the rest of the day. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026 While leaders intend to be approachable, employees view speaking up as a risk calculation, fearing negative consequences or being judged. Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 Instead of pushing through pain and not speaking up for fear they'll be labeled weak or a complainer, this generation is more inclined to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and address the issue through the proper resources. Sarah Scott, Parents, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for speak up

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 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

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