SPEAK UP Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

speak up

verb

Definition of speak up

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

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 Survivors can face public skepticism and harassment in speaking up; oftentimes they are blamed for the violence that harmed them. — Michele Decker, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026 For the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, speaking up is not just about averting disorder, but about establishing a different civic order. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026 Amid the industry consolidation and lack of work in Hollywood, actors are speaking up about needing help to qualify for SAG-AFTRA’s health insurance plan this year. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 His candidate list, however, does feature Eliran Eliyahu, a filmmaker who chairs the Israeli Directors Guild and was one of the few politicians to speak up in support of NAZA directors Abraham and Szor. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speak up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for speak up

Verb

Waiving tariffs on some Canadian agricultural products could presage similar efforts in Michigan and New Hampshire, where Republican candidates facing uphill election fights have spoken out against tariffs on Canada.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 25 Oct. 2026
At least one of those manufacturers has spoken out against the claim, according to the Kansas Reflector.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of speak out

Verb

Her removal sparked immediate friction in the room, with several audience members shouting and arguing with Eggers over the decision.

— Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
But the Rodriguez and other members of the Cuban delegation began banging the desks, calling for a point of order and shouting insults at Waltz.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of shout

Verb

Also at the upfronts, led by Paramount’s Lee Sears, President, International Markets Ad Sales, execs were talking up a new world in the UK where Paramount’s 5 has struck a historic deal with Channel 4 over advertising.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
The president talked up Jackson and Senate candidate Mike Collins as part of the White House effort to boost GOP enthusiasm in the upcoming elections.

— DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of talk up

Verb

Ida Mae Cullen, the peppery widow of poet Countee Cullen, pipes up to remind the group, vigorously, that the Harlem Renaissance really lasted for just one decade, the 1920s, though its ripples began years before and resonated for decades after.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
But remarks made last week by Bruce Brown, an eight-year NBA veteran fighting for a roster spot with the New York Knicks, garnered enough attention online that the league piped up.

— Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of pipe up

Verb

Robert Pattinson is sounding off about Steven Soderbergh stepping up to help finish filming The Batman Part II.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
Here, the athlete sounds off on the secrets to success in beach volleyball, the women’s sports surge and SoCal style.

— Katie Abel, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026