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

According to the union, the museum has failed to maintain upkeep on both its windows and its fan coils. — News Desk, Artforum, 20 July 2026

If white feels like too much upkeep, an off-white, cream or pale blue slipcover can achieve a similar effect with a bit more flexibility. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

The tax funds free admissions to state parks and historic sites, upgrades to trail systems and park amenities and upkeep on the structures, campsites and trails overseen by the Department of Natural Resources. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

The Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund also offered to donate the $2 million to the district for maintenance and upkeep of the property, including the removal of invasive plants and clearing two other dirt roads. — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 13 July 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