easy
The garden needs weekly upkeep.
What does Upkeep mean?
Upkeep means regular care to keep something working or neat.
Dictionary definition
Upkeep is the regular care or maintenance needed to keep something in good condition.
Example sentences
Upkeep in a sentence
medium
The playground's upkeep includes checking swings, cleaning paths, and fixing loose boards.
hard
Without regular upkeep, a useful classroom tool can become worn, unsafe, or hard to use.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Upkeep
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does upkeep mean?
Upkeep is the care needed to keep something working, safe, clean, or in good condition.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to upkeep?
Maintenance is close in meaning because both involve regular care.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for upkeep?
Neglect is a useful contrast because it means not giving care.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Upkeep
Voice settings
Sounds like
up · keep · strongest beat: up
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUpkeep.
Partnoun.
MeaningUpkeep means regular care to keep something working or neat.
ExampleExample: The garden needs weekly upkeep.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- up · keep
- Strongest beat
- up
- Ending
- keep
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on up.
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Synonyms
Words like Upkeep
maintenanceUse for regular work that keeps something in good condition.
careUse for looking after something.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice upkeep synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The playground needs regular upkeep to stay safe and clean," then compare close word choices. Practice upkeep synonyms.
Word family
Upkeep word family
Base word
upkeep
verb
keep
To hold, maintain, or continue having.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Upkeep
Hint for students
Upkeep means regular care that keeps something working, safe, clean, or in good condition. It often describes buildings, gardens, tools, parks, or homes.
Common mix-up
Upkeep is not the same as one repair. Upkeep is regular care over time, while one repair fixes a single problem.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows upkeep without using the word upkeep. Then underline the clue words that show regular care, cleaning, checking, or maintenance. Example: Every Friday, the class watered the plants and trimmed the dry leaves. Clue words: every Friday, watered, trimmed, dry leaves Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show regular care that keeps something in good condition?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The playground's upkeep includes checking swings, cleaning paths, and fixing loose boards." Why does upkeep fit better than neglect?
Learning activities
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