UPKEEP Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

upkeep

noun

ˈəp-ˌkēp

Definition of upkeep

as in maintenance

the act or activity of keeping something in an existing and usually satisfactory condition the upkeep of the old place was costing a fortune

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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 upkeep Dimitris Giannetos, celebrity hair stylist, regards it as necessary upkeep. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026 Plastic surgery and inflationary beauty standards impose dizzying upkeep. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 Operating as a bed and breakfast in recent years, the residence has undergone an impressive preservation campaign that added geothermal heating and cooling, updates to the electrical system, and upkeep of the wood finishes. — Richard Lane, Des Moines Register, 21 Sep. 2026 Installation costs are steep, and the upkeep can feel never-ending. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upkeep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for upkeep

Noun

As the brand evolved, this team transitioned into a dedicated bag restoration and maintenance atelier, preserving the longevity of each piece and keeping the warmth of handmade memory alive through patient care.

— Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Small details are attended to with flawless execution—when the night is chilly, blankets appear at the dinner table; housekeeping and pool maintenance is timed so as not to interfere with your presence; transfers and shuttles are booked with ease.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of maintenance

Noun

Historic preservation of the Excelsior Club Last year, Kennedy noted that the building was in disrepair and unsalvageable.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Williams, the sociologist, noted an overlap between supporters and cultural-preservation movements across post-industrial Britain.

— Vanda Mayer, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of preservation

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up in the air

upkeep

upland

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“Upkeep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upkeep. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of upkeep

noun

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