Phrase guide

change up

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To throw a pitch at a much slower than expected speed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Topics: ball-games, baseball, games, hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • He changed up on Wilson after three fastballs and struck him out.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To confuse someone by doing something unexpected or in an unexpected way.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • I thought that we were going to study the project some more, but then he came back from the weekend and changed up, making it a top priority.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To vary.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, transitive

Examples

  • change it up

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To change to a higher gear in a vehicle.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: upshift

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.