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trade up

verb

traded up; trading up; trades up

intransitive verb

1
: to trade in (something, such as an automobile) for something more expensive or valuable of its kind
2
: to stock or purchase higher-priced items

Examples of trade up in a Sentence

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.
Keep things simple in slim sneakers and dainty jewelry, or trade up for suede boots and a designer bag. Shelby Ying Hyde, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025 The Lakers selected Thiero with the 36th overall pick in the draft, trading up to secure him out of Arkansas after his junior season under John Calipari. Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025 In his absence, Mac Jones, whom coach Kyle Shanahan admitted was his original target when the 49ers traded up to pick third in the 2022 draft, has thrived. Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 There is one bright spot, though, in East Rutherford, and that is quarterback Jaxson Dart, whom the team traded up for in April. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade up

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade up was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20up. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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