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
  • That last might be especially true for female human beings who may be more encouraged to have derived an identity based on our role as marital partner or parent.
    — Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The jury did convict Rosado of driving under the influence and he was sentenced to five years in prison, but Rosado has been behind bars on a $2 million bail since 2021 so won't have to serve any additional time.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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