1
as in hill
an upward slope
had to walk our bicycle on the upgrades on our ride through the hills
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promotion
a raising or a state of being raised to a higher rank or position
received an upgrade to lieutenant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon
there's a steep upgrade to some of the hills on that route
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to promote
to move higher in rank or position
upgraded them to first class
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to improve
to make better
that restaurant had better upgrade its service—and fast—if it wants to stay in business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 upgrade
Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
Distributing electrical generation across thousands of households can help reduce transmission losses and can delay the need for costly grid upgrades that put even greater pressure on ratepayers’ electrical bills.
—Calvin Ball, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
Guests can also add a premium spirit upgrade for an extra kick.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for upgrade
Noun
The organization made a couple of notable offensive upgrades around Witt this offseason, adding Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2026
Distributing electrical generation across thousands of households can help reduce transmission losses and can delay the need for costly grid upgrades that put even greater pressure on ratepayers’ electrical bills.
—Calvin Ball, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
The company said this ability to test decisions before execution marks a shift in how industrial systems are designed and upgraded, reducing risk while accelerating change.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
Guests can also add a premium spirit upgrade for an extra kick.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for upgrade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upgrade
Noun
-
One of the challenges in living in the historic district of Manayunk during a snowstorm is not only the hills, but the brick streets that residents said make things more slippery.—
Tom Dougherty,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The yelps and chatter of a nursery school recess clattered down from a small hill overlooking the scene.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Following album promotions in the spring and a potential anniversary encore concert in the summer, the group may offer clearer signals about their future.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Effective immediately, the policy will allow athletes of MHSAA-member schools to capitalize on NIL through individual opportunities such as endorsements and promotions, personal appearances, modeling and autograph signings.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But recreational skiers coming to Bormio will have no problem accessing less challenging terrain, with 23 of the resort’s 30 slopes falling into the blue or red categories (beginner or intermediate) and 7 pistes classified as black for expert skiiers.—
Catherine Sabino,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
By the third lesson we were deemed capable of navigating the Proclou, a magical 3km blue run with wide sweeping slopes through the forest.—
Jaymi McCann,
TheWeek,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
LinkedIn data reveals that employees who combine hard and soft skills get promoted about 8% faster than those who focus only on technical abilities, and skills like communication, teamwork and problem solving are linked to promotions up to 11% faster.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The project was planned to clear the area of outdated and dilapidated buildings, to attract new businesses and promote economic revitalization.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Carolina Panthers’ defense improved in almost every major statistical category from 2024 to 2025.—
Mike Kaye
January 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Tapascott said everything improves when weight drops, from acceleration to braking and efficiency.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Up to us are judgment, inclination, desire, aversion — in short, whatever is our own doing.—
Massimo Pigliucci,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Trump’s inclinations to make every race about him could foul this for the GOP.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
From initial hype to tangible industrial momentum, the 2025 China Apparel Industry AI Technology Application Summit emerged as a key battleground where fashion companies demonstrated their technological advancements.—
Li Jun,
Footwear News,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Several new advancement opportunities for students Seventh and eighth grade students now have the opportunity to earn high school credits.—
Hope Moses,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Our tester was also impressed by how quiet the machine was while increasing its incline.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Lows were in the upper 40s, but temperatures will be on the incline throughout the day, topping out in the low 60s.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
3 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Upgrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upgrade. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
