1
as in hills
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 promotions
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 slopes
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 promotes
to move higher in rank or position
upgraded them to first class
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in improves
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 upgrades
Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
When booked with an eligible credit card, these programs unlock exclusive perks, such as early and late checkout, daily breakfast for two, room upgrades (based on availability), and a $100 property credit.
—Amber Kallor, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Several high-traffic rail stations are undergoing upgrades as well.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Skip upgrades that feel like upkeep to buyers, such as open shelving or oversized appliances.
—Heather Bien, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026
The firm plans to spend $10 million in finish outs and upgrades, said the firm’s CEO Bill Cawley.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Of course, these upgrades can be expensive.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
While the exterior is impressive, performance upgrades are what makes this classic muscle car truly stand out.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Features like Local Capture, streamlined security updates and the ability to turn off phone call haptics highlight Apple's focus on practical upgrades that matter.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Michael Bloom, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
Those charges will remain on some flights as the airline upgrades its fleet with new equipment.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
The distance between desire and disclosure is measured in hotel room upgrades.
—Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
When booked with an eligible credit card, these programs unlock exclusive perks, such as early and late checkout, daily breakfast for two, room upgrades (based on availability), and a $100 property credit.
—Amber Kallor, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Several high-traffic rail stations are undergoing upgrades as well.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Skip upgrades that feel like upkeep to buyers, such as open shelving or oversized appliances.
—Heather Bien, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026
The firm plans to spend $10 million in finish outs and upgrades, said the firm’s CEO Bill Cawley.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 9 Jan. 2026
Of course, these upgrades can be expensive.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
While the exterior is impressive, performance upgrades are what makes this classic muscle car truly stand out.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Features like Local Capture, streamlined security updates and the ability to turn off phone call haptics highlight Apple's focus on practical upgrades that matter.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Raymond James upgrades Flex to outperform from market perform Raymond James said the global manufacturing company is well positioned for AI.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
Those charges will remain on some flights as the airline upgrades its fleet with new equipment.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upgrades
Noun
-
Nestled in the green hills of the Pacific Palisades and just miles from the Pacific Ocean, community members gathered for an afternoon service and concert to grieve, heal and remember — remember homes lost, remember their lives before displacement and remember to find hope in recovery.—
Camelia Heins,
Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Expansive windows frame the rows of grapes like living artwork, while terraces, pergolas, and outdoor living spaces invite residents to linger, glass in hand, taking in the sunset over the hills.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Sure, plenty of zero percent balance transfer promotions exist.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Sirianni’s loyalty to his staff, beyond his two internal offensive coordinator promotions, is evident.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But in Ouray, the impacts go beyond the ski slopes.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Of course, this means a travel wardrobe full of winter-ready styles to wear, on and off the slopes.—
Nneya Richards,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The brand notes that the foundation has a special cell oxygen booster that protects your skin from blue light and promotes cell regeneration for healthier-looking skin.—
Eva Thomas,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Knowing how to prune a money tree (Pachira aquatica) properly promotes bushier growth while keeping your plant more compact.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Open year-round during daylight hours, both hotel guests and outside visitors can learn how to handle a bow and arrow practicing on static targets that are set further away as your aim improves.—
Rana Good,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Lemon water also adds flavor, provides vitamin C, improves digestion, and can prevent kidney stones.—
Aubrey Bailey,
Verywell Health,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But the car—small, low to the ground, and exceedingly heavy, owing to the ballistic steel and glass—is not suited to a city like Caracas, which is rife with steep inclines and deep potholes, and is best travelled in a four-by-four.—
Armando Ledezma,
New Yorker,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Its flexible 3-layer HydroWall shell is completely waterproof and still breathable, with pit zips to release excess heat on steep inclines.—
Annita Katee,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Police remain hopeful that recent advancements in DNA testing, which have been used on evidence collected in Amber's case, and new tips from the public will help solve the case.—
Emily Krauser,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This time around, the cuisine will focus on Laura’s roots, offering up dishes that show off Mexico’s culinary inclinations.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
11 Jan. 2026
-
His beliefs and artistic inclinations were protean and often contradictory.—
Vince Passaro,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upgrades.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upgrades. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
