worked up 1 of 2

Definition of worked upnext

worked up

2 of 2

verb

past tense of work up

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 worked up
Adjective
Washington School House Hotel is located atop Park Avenue, moments from Main Street, and provides complimentary après-ski fare in the living room for outdoor enthusiasts who have worked up an appetite. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2025 Chicago — its fans, its organization and yes, its writers — has clung to that era as tightly as Toews and Kane clung to the Stanley Cup in that famous photo, because there’s been so little else to get worked up about. Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
Putting words on the page seems too low stakes to get worked up about, and yet the terror of saying something taboo—or just being boring—feels like a terrible fate to most writers. David O’Neill, New Yorker, 20 May 2026 Thou shalt not get too worked up about the chat! Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for worked up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worked up
Adjective
  • Then she got fed up with trying to park at the busy Torrance, California, warehouse.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 30 July 2026
  • When Venus opposes Saturn on August 21, someone’s likely going to be fed up with someone else’s inconsiderate behavior.
    Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Browning and Eveland developed the educational curriculum that would provide both an understanding and hands-on experience in a friendly environment where questions are encouraged.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
  • The plane has been developed to fly the Australian airline Qantas’ upcoming record-breaking route from Sydney to London.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • At first, Jack felt angry to know his Parkinson’s was likely linked to service to his country.
    Nicole Borman, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • The Secret Service’s actual procedures turn out to be more like guidelines that can be discarded if the president is sufficiently angry—which, from the standpoint of safeguarding democracy, constitutes a fairly concerning loophole.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The island nation has in recent years leveraged its geographical proximity to the Middle East to act as the EU’s gateway to the region and has forged closer ties with many countries, particularly with Israel on energy and defense.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
  • While some have cut off all contact with their families, others have forged fragile paths towards reconciliation.
    Michael-Oliver Harding, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • Baltimore City's latest crackdown on dirt bikes has some riders upset and asking for the mayor and police commissioner to meet with them.
    Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 29 July 2026
  • The day nurse is 100 percent correct that Catherine is crashing there, but no one really seems too upset about it.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • Along the way, some businesses failed while others became neighborhood institutions that, collectively, created a place where almost every storefront seemed to have a story behind it.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
  • Melanie Barcenas and Gia Corley created difficult tests for Dickey.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • At the same time, locals became enraged with both the aesthetic of the homes and the business practices of the developers as the town began to take shape.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
  • Beach removed the Knee Defender, but then became enraged when the woman reclined forcefully, risking damage to his computer.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Adames and Chapman have full no-trade clauses in their contracts, which usually can be worked out, although Chapman’s agent, Scott Boras, recently told John Shea of the San Francisco Standard that Chapman isn’t going anywhere.
    Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The average 8% increase worked out to approximately 62 cents more per item, according to Mickey Visit.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Worked up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worked%20up. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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