up to

1 of 2

preposition

1

—used as a function word to indicate extension as far as a specified place

sank up to his knees in the mud

2

—used as a function word to indicate a limit or boundary

up to 50,000 copies a month

worked up to the last minute

up to

2 of 2

phrase

1

: capable of performing or dealing with

feels up to the task

2

: engaged in

what is he up to

3

: being the responsibility of

it's up to me

Examples of up to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Preposition

Massachusetts will invest up to $25 million in a new quantum research facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a move state officials say will strengthen the region’s position in one of the world’s most competitive emerging technologies. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 31 May 2026

Fans from several countries could face a deposit of up to $15,000 in bond payments to enter the United States on a travel visa due to the ‘visa bond pilot program’ implemented this year. —Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 31 May 2026

With the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, up to 100,000 supporters showed up at the event that was placed under high security measures. —ABC News, 31 May 2026

Israel has designated the area from the Litani up to the Zahrani River a combat zone. —Arkansas Online, 31 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for up to

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

up to

preposition

1

: as far as a named part or place

sank up to my hips

2

: in accordance with

the game was not up to our standards

3

a

: to the limit of

come in sizes up to 10

b

: as many or as much as

carry up to 10 tons

4

: until entry 1, till

from dawn up to dusk