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 justice …

—Clive Bell

Synonyms of speak up

• speak out
• shout
• cry
• talk up
• yell
• pipe up
• spout (off)
• sound off

Examples of speak up in a Sentence

she's never been afraid to speak up at town meetings

Recent Examples on the Web

When a major renovation of Northeast High School appeared at risk, residents and local leaders spoke up. — Tim Lonergan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Many physicians have spoken up against allowing peptides to be compounded. — Alana Semuels, Time, 28 Oct. 2026

Chenault explains how leaders can establish clear priorities when the stakes are high, encourage employees to speak up about problems, and challenge the status quo. — Harvard Business Review, 27 Oct. 2026

Eric and Linda Carpenter-Grantham have shown us how change can begin — with a willingness to speak up and a practical idea that addresses a prevalent concern. — Jermaine F. Williams, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for speak up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

: speak out