upon

1 of 2

preposition

up·​on ə-ˈpȯn How to pronounce upon (audio)
-ˈpän
Synonyms of uponnext
: on

upon

2 of 2

adverb

up·​on ə-ˈpȯn How to pronounce upon (audio)
-ˈpän
1
obsolete : on the surface : on it
2
obsolete : thereafter, thereon

Synonyms of upon

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Preposition

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Examples of upon in a Sentence

Preposition He carefully placed the vase upon the table. They built their city upon a cliff overlooking the sea. She was seated upon a throne. an assault upon traditional values She was admitted to his office immediately upon her arrival. That kind of behavior is frowned upon.
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.
Preposition
An increase has not been formally agreed upon and is still under evaluation, officials said. — Dj Simmons june 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026 An audience member who fled to the bathroom to vomit was swiftly set upon by an actor trying to incorporate them into a scene. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 May 2026 Iran seems to be retaliating by firing upon and potentially seizing more commercial ships. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2026 Vietnamese airlines are planning to significantly reduce flights and scale back operations next month due to the high costs brought upon by the conflict, as well as potential jet fuel shortages. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upon

Word History

First Known Use

Preposition

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upon was in the 12th century

Phrases Containing upon

Rhymes for upon

See All Rhymes for upon

Browse Nearby Words

Upolu
upon
up one's alley
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upon. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

upon

preposition
up·​on
ə-ˈpȯn, 
-ˈpän, 
-(ˌ)pən
: on entry 1

More from Merriam-Webster on upon

Nglish: Translation of upon for Spanish Speakers

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