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

The ability to choose between these approaches makes the K70 suitable for both regular upkeep and more comprehensive cleaning sessions. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

Congress had appropriated $257 million for upkeep of the building in 2025, with construction phased out over time and the center remaining open. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

The District spends over $100,000 on road upkeep, for its restoration activities but also to accommodate all the visitor traffic. — Deborah Green, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Many others, like Trieste mayor Dipiazza, feel that taxpayers should not have to pay for the upkeep of oligarchs’ toys. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 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