up to

1 of 2

preposition

Synonyms of up tonext
1
used as a function word to indicate extension as far as a specified place
sank up to his knees in the mud
2
used as a function word to indicate a limit or boundary
up to 50,000 copies a month
worked up to the last minute

up to

2 of 2

phrase

1
: capable of performing or dealing with
feels up to the task
2
: engaged in
what is he up to
3
: being the responsibility of
it's up to me

Examples of up to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Preposition
Our city has a duty not just to honor this legacy, but to live up to it. Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 In a 2014 editorial, the Times argued the federal ban on the drug should be repealed, and the decision should be left up to the individual states. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026 So, it was left up to the rest of the healthy Lakers to deal with Wembanyama and the Spurs. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 In Major League Baseball, for example, a pitcher recovering from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow may be unable to load that arm for up to two months following surgery. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for up to

Word History

First Known Use

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of up to was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Up to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up%20to. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

up to

preposition
1
: as far as a named part or place
sank up to my hips
2
: in accordance with
the game was not up to our standards
3
a
: to the limit of
come in sizes up to 10
b
: as many or as much as
carry up to 10 tons
4
: until entry 1, till
from dawn up to dusk

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