upkeep

noun

up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp How to pronounce upkeep (audio)
Synonyms of upkeepnext
1
: the act of maintaining in good condition : the state of being maintained in good condition
2
: the cost of maintaining in good condition

Synonyms of upkeep

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Examples of upkeep in a Sentence

Who is responsible for the upkeep of these buildings? Once your car gets that old, the cost of upkeep can get very expensive. The yard requires very little upkeep. We sold our horse because we could no longer afford its upkeep.
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.
Cork is water-resistant when properly sealed, but requires regular sealing and upkeep to KEEP it water-resistant. — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 The synagogue has about 250 member families, not enough to afford upkeep for the existing 34,000-square-foot structure, completed in 1955 when Emanuel had 1,000 families. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026 Greenwood Cemetery, now controlled by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, was previously cited by the Louisville Metro Government for having tall grass, weeds and poor upkeep. — Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026 The Hidden Maintenance of Open Shelving Open shelves collect dust faster than closed cabinets and require significantly more upkeep. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upkeep

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upkeep was in 1884

Rhymes for upkeep

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Browse Nearby Words

up Jenkins
upkeep
upland
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Cite this Entry

“Upkeep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upkeep. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

upkeep

noun
up·​keep ˈəp-ˌkēp How to pronounce upkeep (audio)
: the act or cost of maintaining in good condition : maintenance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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