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
  • Federal authorities said he was arrested on Tuesday and distributed a photo of the man in handcuffs.
    — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Both in jeans and black blazers, Ellison and Kreiz fielded questions from the national press for nearly 30 minutes on the lot’s Stage 3.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of on
Preposition
  • The system is designed to provide short-range protection against drones, helicopters and low-flying aircraft, adding an air-defense layer alongside NMESIS’ anti-ship capability.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • AbdulSalam Mohammed, president of the Abaad Studies & Research Center and an adviser to Yemen’s Information Ministry, told the Washington Examiner that government forces are currently focused on defending against the Houthis along three main axes.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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