as in to speak out
to voice one's opinions freely with force
she's never been afraid to speak up at town meetings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 speak up
Such questioning could also make new policy experts brought in to the NSC less likely to speak up about policy differences and concerns.
—
Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
While that admission might seem shocking, Love is only one of many Drag Race queens who have spoken up in recent years about the financial tribulations of competing on the show — and the high cost of competing in general.
—James Factora, Them, 8 Jan. 2025
Second, when will Trump speak up and defend American workers against these derogatory comments by Musk and Ramaswamy?
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2025
The wait might push you to speak up to your boss and management.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for speak up 
Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
While that admission might seem shocking, Love is only one of many Drag Race queens who have spoken up in recent years about the financial tribulations of competing on the show — and the high cost of competing in general.
—James Factora, Them, 8 Jan. 2025
Second, when will Trump speak up and defend American workers against these derogatory comments by Musk and Ramaswamy?
—Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2025
The wait might push you to speak up to your boss and management.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for speak up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speak up
Verb
-
In 2016, Target stated that trans employees and customers could use bathrooms that aligned with their gender identity, becoming one of the first major retailers to speak out amid national debates over trans bathroom accessibility.—
Abby Monteil,
Them,
27 Jan. 2025
-
And the Silicon Valley legend wasn’t alone in speaking out against Musk recently.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The hearing was briefly stopped several times by protesters with at least one shouting about the deadly fires in Los Angeles and the role fossil fuels play in global warming.—
Timothy Gardner,
USA TODAY,
16 Jan. 2025
-
Authentic marketing isn’t about shouting the loudest but speaking the clearest.—
Carlo Tortora Brayda,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Critics cried nepotism and lamented Robert F. Kennedy’s lack of qualifications and prior experience.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
17 Jan. 2025
-
The 11-year-old girl can be heard crying in the video.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Sources at Thorp Arch — speaking anonymously to protect relationships — have repeatedly talked up Cairns’ role behind the scenes.—
Beren Cross,
The Athletic,
14 Jan. 2025
-
Already, some Republicans are talking up the potential of having conditions tied to aid for Southern California.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Europe has long been working against any Darwinist instincts, spending the past several years trying to wedge its head inside the mouth of the lion while their own people yell at them to stop.—
Rachel Marsden,
Hartford Courant,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Though there was no damage to either car, a crowd of at least 10 Turks soon gathered, yelling at Hiba.—
Alia Malek,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
By the numbers: Just 39% of Democrats approve of celebrities piping up on political issues — but only 11% of Republicans and 12% of independents (24% for the whole sample).—
Noah Bressner,
Axios,
27 Dec. 2024
-
But then a little voice called financial reality piped up.—
Steven Zeitchik,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Radio personality sounds off on California leadership over wildfires.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
10 Jan. 2025
-
The alerts, sounding off at 8 p.m. and again at 11, advised residents about mandatory evacuations in Altadena, but the location specified in the message was to the east of their homes.—
Nathan Solis,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near speak up
Cite this Entry
“Speak up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speak%20up. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share