What does “upon” mean?
- 1
prepositionon; a more formal word
The decision depends upon the results.
- 2
prepositionimmediately after something
Upon arrival, please check in at the desk.
Upon at a glance
- Part of speech
- preposition
- CEFR level
- B2 (upper intermediate)
- Pronunciation
- /əˈpɑn/ · uh-PAHN
How to use “upon” correctly
“Upon” is a formal version of “on”. Fairy tales begin “Once upon a time …”.
Common phrases with “upon”
- once upon a time
- upon arrival
- rely upon
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
“upon” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- despite prepositionB1without being stopped by something; even though something is true
- as prepositionA2in the role or function of
- including prepositionA2used to show that someone or something is part of a group or total
- without prepositionA2not having or using something
- about prepositionA1on the subject of; connected with
- at prepositionA1used to show an exact place or position
- by prepositionA1used to show who or what does something
- for prepositionA1intended to be given to or used by someone or something