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 Critics say this provision allows the state to prosecute journalists who speak up against the excesses of state institutions, including the judiciary and military establishment. Hasan Ali, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2024 As for speaking up about it on campus or in the workplace, forget about it. Jeff Robbins, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2024 Most consumers and employees expect businesses to speak up about and act on critical societal issues. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 Keep speaking your truths, and keep speaking up for each other. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 8 Mar. 2024 The next year, while on a Zoom call with the Metrolina Theatre Association, Evans spoke up again. Virginia Brown, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 As a young actor, Dunst didn’t have the confidence to speak up when things bothered her. Zack Sharf, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 In society today, kids are afraid to speak up and say things that are unpopular. Christina Coulter, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2024 The more women who speak up for gender equality, the more women will be represented in the industry. Nihinlola Adeyemi, Forbes, 27 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 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on speak up

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