upon

preposition

ə-ˈpȯn How to pronounce upon (audio)
Definition of uponnext
as in on
in or into contact with leaned upon the desk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 upon Iran seems to be retaliating by firing upon and potentially seizing more commercial ships. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2026 Spend six to 12 months deliberately building one critical capability (or confidence gap), with clear outcomes agreed upon with your sponsor and regular, candid feedback. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 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 Because there is not yet a clear and agreed-upon way to measure this, nurses and hospital leadership – who view the problem from their distinct positions – often disagree on what safe staffing actually looks like, which can lead to conflict. — Anna Mayo, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upon
  1. on
  2. against
Preposition
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The drug, marketed as Bixlenvo, is aimed at patients whose virus is already under control but who remain on complicated treatment regimens.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of on
Preposition
  • The technology was also tested against deceptive behaviour, an in a different scenario, fishing boats appeared to retreat while vessels from another direction accelerated toward the coastguard ship.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The informant cut a deal with prosecutors to record Vaughn and testify against him in exchange for drug charges against him being dropped.
    — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of against

Phrases Containing upon

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upmost
upon
upped
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Cite this Entry

“Upon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upon. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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