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

James referenced Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Bill Russell and Jackie Robinson as athletes who previously spoke up for equality and change with no concerns about the consequences or any rewards. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

At the time of the search — when marijuana was recovered at The Cannabis Outlet, according to the indictment — many Democrats spoke up to defend Lucas. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

That meant speaking up, following the action and keeping his energy from slipping when somebody else had the ball. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026

Developer Alan Hooper, one of several high-profile leaders who spoke up before Tuesday’s commission vote, compared Himmarshee to a red light district. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 22 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