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.
He’s even spoken up in support of the author, who has been involved in an ongoing controversy over her comments on transgender issues. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024 Following past on-air bouts with her phone and Siri — who once interrupted Behar on the program to give her directions to her seat at the table — Behar's iPhone spoke up during a discussion about political allegiances coming between couples during the heated 2024 election cycle. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Members of the Roanoke College women's swimming team who spoke up against a transgender athlete trying to join the team last year were invited on stage at Donald Trump's rally in Salem, Virginia, Saturday. Ryan Morik, Fox News, 2 Nov. 2024 The case has been absorbed into the United States’ fractious politics, with Republican officials speaking up for Penny and Democratic ones attending Neely’s funeral. Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 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 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

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