SPEAKING UP Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

speaking up 1 of 2

adjective

as in speaking out

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Dissimilar Words

speaking up

2 of 2

verb

present participle of speak up

as in spouting (off)

to voice one's opinions freely with force she's never been afraid to speak up at town meetings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 speaking up

Verb

Consider speaking up in a meeting and stating a clear boundary with a co-worker, using steady words that match your actions for the rest of the day. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026 Watts said women speaking up has finally pressured the medical system to respond. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 This disconnect stems from a lack of psychological safety, where leaders fear speaking up or challenging ideas. — Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Rehearsals for a Revolution is a cautionary tale about speaking up in a place where rebellion can cost you your livelihood, and quite possibly your life. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 Instead of pushing through pain and not speaking up for fear they'll be labeled weak or a complainer, this generation is more inclined to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and address the issue through the proper resources. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 10 June 2026 The affiliation between Aquarius and the Sklarian Raiders is immense because both will never stop speaking up to assert messages that upend the status quo. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Things like regular psychological safety surveys also ensure employees feel as comfortable as possible speaking up, learning, and contributing. — Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 13 May 2026 Most people move through interactions at work on autopilot, sending messages or speaking up in meetings without really thinking about their responses until afterward, says leadership coach Aiko Bethea. — Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 8 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for speaking up

Adjective

Since then, Emilie Kiser has been vocal on social media about water safety for children, urging parents to install pool fences and door alarms with working batteries, and ensuring children have swimming sessions.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 July 2026
The Voice Season 29 winner Alexia Jayy will also have a special vocal performance.

— Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 3 July 2026

Definition of vocal

Verb

For Slusser, who became one of the most prominent voices in the fight to protect women’s sports after speaking out about a transgender player on her volleyball team in 2024, the decision was deeply personal.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Noah Kahan is speaking out about a disgusting habit picked up by some music fans.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Definition of speaking out

Verb

Since Anthropic began offering glimpses of their Mythos model earlier this year, critics have slammed the company for allegedly building hype by talking up how dangerous the model could be in the wrong hands.

— Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Wellness influencers and social media personalities are talking up bovine colostrum as a must-have supplement to support gut health among a range of other benefits.

— Ari Daniel, NPR, 1 June 2026

Definition of talking up

Verb

But just to their left stood a horde of pro-transgender activists, some wearing costumes and others partially unclothed, shouting curse words.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
An original call for service indicated that suspects pulled up to a CBS media vehicle and began shouting racial obscenities at a CBS cameraman who is Black, a law enforcement source said.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

Definition of shouting

Verb

From there on the two teams looked to find ways to generate offense but the bats were not sounding off.

— Mukala Kabongo, Boston Herald, 14 June 2026
The university, its athletic department and anyone associated with it haven't done the Red Raiders and their quarterback any favors, either, with people like head coach Joey Maguire and billionaire booster Cody Campbell sounding off on the issue and only angering fans further.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026