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.
Internal comms professionals play a crucial role in creating an environment where employees feel heard, valued and safe to speak up. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 When there are voices here in Hollywood — voices who are outside of the prevailing culture but who need to create, need to speak out, need to speak up so that ALL OF US CAN BE SEEN…. John Ridley, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025 Volunteers are trained and supported by the nonprofit to speak up for children in foster care in court, school and medical settings to make sure their needs are met. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025 Image Image Few Timorese speak up about Bishop Belo, who remains widely revered. Sui-Lee Wee, New York Times, 16 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

speak up

verb

More from Merriam-Webster on speak up

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