as in spoken out
to voice one's opinions freely with force
she's never been afraid to speak up at town meetings
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Recent Examples of spoken up
The community has shown up, spoken up, and waited patiently through workshop after workshop, survey after survey.
—
Jonathan Timm, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
Some feel studio heads and executives have not spoken up enough for them amid dealing with toxic fanbases.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
As Self decides on his coaching future, several players have spoken up on his behalf, specifically in regard to online criticism about the Jayhawks’ recent seasons.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
The exemption, however, has alarmed residents, who have spoken up at county board meetings and launched a community organization, Not in My Backyard Imperial, to protest the data center and demand a CEQA review.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Pashaei objects to the alleged silencing and retaliation against American female athletes who have spoken up for the protection of women's sports from biological male trans athletes.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Over the past few weeks, a number of people have spoken up about just how much of the show is true.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026
Soudal–Quick-Step have not spoken up in that discussion regularly this season.
—Andy McGrath, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Bridges also isn’t the only big star who’s spoken up about ICE recently.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025
Jonathan Timm, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
Some feel studio heads and executives have not spoken up enough for them amid dealing with toxic fanbases.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
As Self decides on his coaching future, several players have spoken up on his behalf, specifically in regard to online criticism about the Jayhawks’ recent seasons.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
The exemption, however, has alarmed residents, who have spoken up at county board meetings and launched a community organization, Not in My Backyard Imperial, to protest the data center and demand a CEQA review.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Pashaei objects to the alleged silencing and retaliation against American female athletes who have spoken up for the protection of women's sports from biological male trans athletes.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Over the past few weeks, a number of people have spoken up about just how much of the show is true.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026
Soudal–Quick-Step have not spoken up in that discussion regularly this season.
—Andy McGrath, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Bridges also isn’t the only big star who’s spoken up about ICE recently.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spoken up
Verb
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People who knew the security guard have spoken out about his life, describing him as a father of eight and remembering him for his kindness and valor.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
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Hegseth echoed Trump in bashing Massie, who has often spoken out against the president's agenda, which has prompted the president to support Gallrein in an effort to oust Massie.—
Emily Chang,
ABC News,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Bailey was Robert Plant’s favorite player, and during a Led Zeppelin concert at the Kicks’ stadium in 1977, the singer shouted him out.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Union workers shouted their demands, and riders navigated lengthy commutes.—
Elijah Westbrook,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
Verb
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The Dodgers and Roberts have talked up Hernández’s strides defensively since moving back to left field this season.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
Over the past few years, movies have had more presence at the upfronts, and 40 minutes into the WBD presentation the company talked up the opportunities for its film slate.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Josh Allen cried at his postgame news conference, and head coach Sean McDermott was fired in the aftermath.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
When she was sentenced to 30 days in jail, Williams cried.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Verb
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On Tuesday, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina sounded off on China and Pakistan, which is trying to broker a peace deal in the Iran war.—
Vivian Salama,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
-
Francis then sounded off on the critics and naysayers who have seemingly lined up to wrong him.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Before Schiraldi could respond, a second rep piped up in Richards’s defense.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Garrett Tyrrell of Durango, sitting to her right, piped up.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spoken up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoken%20up. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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