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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of speak up
The post has ignited backlash because Kardashian — one of the most outspoken, famous and influential women in the world — rarely speaks up about her politics and remained mum during the 2024 presidential election.
—
Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
He’s even spoken up in support of the author, who has been involved in an ongoing controversy over her comments on transgender issues.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025
But he feels driven to speak up for all the families who lost daughters, sisters, mothers and aunts.
—Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Among the only people in the room who spoke up to defend Mr. Biden was Senator John Fetterman, a first-term Democrat from Pennsylvania.
—Annie Karni, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for speak up 
Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
He’s even spoken up in support of the author, who has been involved in an ongoing controversy over her comments on transgender issues.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025
But he feels driven to speak up for all the families who lost daughters, sisters, mothers and aunts.
—Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Among the only people in the room who spoke up to defend Mr. Biden was Senator John Fetterman, a first-term Democrat from Pennsylvania.
—Annie Karni, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for speak up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speak up
Verb
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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
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And the Silicon Valley legend wasn’t alone in speaking out against Musk recently.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Jason shouted, fired up, as the younger Kelce cackled.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
29 Jan. 2025
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Police received multiple reports related to juveniles consuming alcohol, noise, obscenities being shouted, and more, according to Florida Today, part of USA TODAY Network.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA TODAY,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In a survey of 3,000 U.S. adults with children ages 14 and under, Care.com found that most parents are losing sleep (90%), crying (80% overall and 90% of moms), feeling a sense of dread (75%), and experiencing health issues (71%).—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
29 Jan. 2025
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Gomez cries in video reacting to Donald Trump's immigration orders Other celebrities also came to Gomez's defense after being met with an onslaught of backlash.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA TODAY,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Already, some Republicans are talking up the potential of having conditions tied to aid for Southern California.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
14 Jan. 2025
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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
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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But then a little voice called financial reality piped up.—
Steven Zeitchik,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Here Merry sounds off on all these topics and more.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2025
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Paul Schrader is sounding off in support of using ChatGPT to come up with ideas for films.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
20 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 2 Feb. 2025.
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