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.
At Bowdoin, too, students began to speak up after these parties. Ingrid A. Nelson, The Conversation, 29 May 2026 So far, the other artists advertised as headlining concerts during the June 25-July 10 fair on the Mall have not spoken up about their involvement. Chris Willman, Variety, 28 May 2026 The common source is fear, to the point where people stop speaking up. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 It may be stopped because one student speaks up, one parent pays attention, one friend refuses to stay silent, one faith leader reaches out, or one community decides that preventing hate is everyone’s responsibility. Michael Brunker, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 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 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

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