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upkeep

noun

ˈəp-ˌkēp How to pronounce upkeep (audio)
Definition of upkeepnext
as in maintenance
the act or activity of keeping something in an existing and usually satisfactory condition the upkeep of the old place was costing a fortune

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 upkeep Installation costs are steep, and the upkeep can feel never-ending. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026 Regular upkeep can extend the life of your vehicle, but parts still wear out. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026 After construction of the levees, the federal government transferred responsibility for management and upkeep to local community sponsors. — Kaleigh Yost, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026 Cork is water-resistant when properly sealed, but requires regular sealing and upkeep to KEEP it water-resistant. — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upkeep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upkeep
  1. maintenance
  2. preservation
  3. preserving
Noun
  • Preventive maintenance at a scale that was previously cost-prohibitive.
    — Sumeet Salwan, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The trade-off between delaying retirement and building new plants depends on fuel prices, plant efficiency and maintenance needs.
    — Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of maintenance
Noun
  • This pristine preservation gives a direct window into the chemical womb of our planetary neighborhood.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Stoppers are reusable and the rechargeable pump gives up to 100 preservation cycles on a full charge.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of preservation
Noun
  • There are solutions for age verification that are both accurate and privacy preserving.
    — Annie Chestnut Tutor, Boston Herald, 18 Aug. 2025
Definition of preserving

Browse Nearby Words

up in the air
upkeep
upland
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upkeep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upkeep. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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