speak up

verb

spoke up; spoken up; speaking up; speaks up

intransitive verb

1
: to speak loudly and distinctly
2
: to express an opinion freely
speak up for truth and justiceClive Bell

Examples of speak up in a Sentence

she's never been afraid to speak up at town meetings
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Americans who treasure what has truly made our country great — a secular Constitution that keeps religion out of our laws and social policies must speak up to safeguard democracy for ourselves and future generations. Annie Laurie Gaylor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025 Some activists are also concerned that those who have always stood with the LGBTQ+ community could be too scared to speak up under Trump’s new administration. David Gilbert, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2025 Throughout the most recent presidential campaign, Dimon spoke up about how Trump was correct on certain issues, including his criticism of China. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Their aim is simple - to instill fear and keep their teammates in a state of constant paralysis, too afraid to speak up. Jason Walker, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for speak up 

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speak up was in 1681

Cite this Entry

“Speak up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speak%20up. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on speak up

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