speaking up 1 of 2

Definition of speaking upnext

speaking up

2 of 2

verb

present participle of speak up

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of speaking up
Verb
The common source is fear, to the point where people stop speaking up. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Rehearsals for a Revolution is a cautionary tale about speaking up in a place where rebellion can cost you your livelihood, and quite possibly your life. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 Watts said women speaking up has finally pressured the medical system to respond. Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 Things like regular psychological safety surveys also ensure employees feel as comfortable as possible speaking up, learning, and contributing. Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 13 May 2026 New parents often hesitate to communicate their evolving needs at work, but Lauren Smith Brody emphasizes that speaking up about flexible arrangements can enhance not only their own work-life balance but also benefit colleagues and overall company performance. Big Think, 8 May 2026 Most people move through interactions at work on autopilot, sending messages or speaking up in meetings without really thinking about their responses until afterward, says leadership coach Aiko Bethea. Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 8 May 2026 This hesitancy and worry about speaking up is the way free speech dies. Literary Hub, 6 May 2026 This could look like setting the record straight or speaking up in a meeting. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speaking up
Verb
  • The 79-year-old president appeared on Pod Force One with Miranda Devine in an interview that aired on Wednesday, June 3, speaking out against Pelley, who was fired from his role on 60 Minutes on Tuesday, June 2.
    Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
  • Taylor’s brother, Morris Sylver, is now speaking out and calling for an end to gun violence.
    Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is an album in which harsh, scraping sounds make sweet vocal melodies sound even sweeter, where that kindness of spirit may flicker but never quite fades away.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026
  • Behind the scenes, Ariana used Wicked to improve herself as a performer overall, taking on extensive vocal training for the role with those skills evident in her work post-Glinda.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump has ignited various trade wars, and keeps talking up a possible conflict with Cuba.
    Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
  • Beans are healthy and cheap, but bean champions are also talking up their tastiness too.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Turn to face the shore, tread water, and signal for help by shouting or waving your arms.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
  • Some people trapped inside were seen hanging from windows and shouting for help as flames and smoke swept through parts of the building.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Younger Republican voters and GOP contrarians are piping up to challenge the broad consensus in the Republican Party that has been in lockstep with policy on Israel.
    Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Shooting outside a bar near TD Garden The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association is sounding off after a shooting outside a popular bar near TD Garden sent patrons frantically searching for cover.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
  • Quick bites → Costco shoppers are sounding off after a beloved food court favorite gets a surprising swap.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The Stanley Cup Final is here, and broadcast executives across the continent are crying in their beds.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 31 May 2026
  • Losing interest in activities or friends, crying frequently, or exhibiting notable sleep or appetite changes can be additional warning signs.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Two videos soon began circulating on social media showing a contestant, Vasana Montgomery, appearing to say the N-word on camera — once while singing a song and another time while yelling at an arcade game.
    Angela Yang, NBC news, 31 May 2026
  • The episode ended with Fern yelling to her Nazi boyfriend Wayne that Rue had broken into the safe in Laurie's basement.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Speaking up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speaking%20up. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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