up to

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

Examples of up to 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.
For the Coastal Flood Warning, up to 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in some areas near shorelines and tidal waterways resulting in an elevated threat of property damage around the times of high tide. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2025 If convicted of bank fraud or making false statements, the penalties could include up to 30 years in prison and $1 million in fines for each count, the DOJ says. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025 Ray-Ban Meta served as the second brand anchor this year, also with new technology; the next generation style comes with an extended battery life of up to eight hours, an ultra-wide 12MP camera that captures high quality 3K ultra-HD videos with precision and clarity. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025 And there are equally dangerous, thuggish government figures out there up to no good as well. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for up to

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of up to was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Up to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up%20to. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on up to

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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