upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp 

1

: the act of maintaining in good condition : the state of being maintained in good condition

2

: the cost of maintaining in good condition

Synonyms of upkeep

• maintenance
• preservation
• preserving

Examples of upkeep in a Sentence

Who is responsible for the upkeep of these buildings?

Once your car gets that old, the cost of upkeep can get very expensive.

The yard requires very little upkeep.

We sold our horse because we could no longer afford its upkeep.

Recent Examples on the Web

For anyone who loves the idea of a mani that looks clean and intentional (but hates the upkeep), this nail concealer feels like the perfect everyday solution. —Olivia Cefalu, InStyle, 22 Jan. 2026

Next up is building structures to house the park’s eight-person maintenance team to better manage repairs and upkeep. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026

Finally, pay attention to the overall upkeep of the home. —Personal Finance, TheWeek, 19 Jan. 2026

In April 2025, Commissioners Matt Krause, Manny Ramirez and County Judge Tim O’Hare voted to accept a donation of the monument and its upkeep in a 3-1 vote against Democrat Commissioner Alisa Simmons. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for upkeep

• asleep
• beep
• cheap
• creep
• deep
• heap
• jeep
• keep
• leap
• peep
• reap
• seep

Kids Definition

upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp 

: the act or cost of maintaining in good condition : maintenance