Synonyms of upkeep

upkeep

noun

ˈəp-ˌkēp 

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

• maintenance
• preservation
• preserving
• conservation
• keep
• conserving
• sustentation
• care and feeding
• support
• conservancy
• sustaining
• protection
• guardianship
• custody
• defense
• safekeeping
• guarding
• safeguarding
• care

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• neglect
• negligence
• disregard
• ignoring
• damage
• destruction
• injury
• inattention
• harm
• demolition
• dereliction
• ruin
• hurt
• ruination

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of upkeep

Villela and her children continued to live in the house, without paying rent but maintaining the mortgage and its upkeep, until last summer when Attard obtained a court order for their eviction. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026

The State Local Bridge Program has offered a total of $180 million in grants in 2026 for construction and upkeep. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026

The Personal Home Advisor is a real-time, expert guide tailored to the property, offering advice on everything from seasonal upkeep to bigger decisions like renovations. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026

According to the union, the museum has failed to maintain upkeep on both its windows and its fan coils. — News Desk, Artforum, 20 July 2026