upshift

verb

up·​shift ˈəp-ˌshift How to pronounce upshift (audio)
upshifted; upshifting; upshifts

intransitive verb

: to shift an automotive vehicle into a higher gear
upshift noun

Examples of upshift in a Sentence

She upshifted into fifth gear.
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.
The Movie features Brad Pitt as a fallen Formula One star who upshifts back from career oblivion and personal wreckage to the pinnacle of racing. Chris Lee, Vulture, 27 June 2025 Suddenly, a Rosemount team that appeared to be in cruise control had to upshift gears again. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 5 June 2024 Sport mode brings an even more aggressive algorithm and a flat-out refusal to upshift into the tallest gears even when cruising. Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 7 Aug. 2023 But, as has been the case far too often, the GOP doesn’t exactly have a matrix in hand for when their leader should stand down or when to upshift. Philip Elliott, Time, 17 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upshift was in 1952

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upshift. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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