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
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.
Bridges also isn’t the only big star who’s spoken up about ICE recently. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025 That’s why doctors stress the importance of staying on top of screenings and speaking up if something seems off. Korin Miller, Flow Space, 7 Oct. 2025 Volunteers are trained and supported by the nonprofit to speak up for children in foster care in court, school and medical settings to make sure their needs are met. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2025 One diner objects to the cost of a group meal but doesn’t speak up. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025 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 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on speak up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!