letup

1 of 2

noun

let·​up ˈlet-ˌəp 

: a lessening of effort, activity, or intensity

let up

2 of 2

verb

let up; letting up; lets up

intransitive verb

1

a

: to diminish or slow down : slacken

b

: cease, stop

2

: to become less severe

—used with on

Synonyms

Noun

• braking
• deceleration
• downshift
• retardation
• slowdown

Verb

• break off
• break up
• cease
• close
• conclude
• dead-end
• determine
• die
• discontinue
• elapse
• end
• expire
• finish
• go
• halt
• lapse
• leave off
• pass
• quit
• stop
• terminate
• wind up
• wink (out)

Examples of letup in a Sentence

Noun

the downpour continued for hours without letup

Verb

the rain let up just as we reached the house

the windmill slowed down as the wind let up

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There is no letup at any point in a 162-game season, especially in early July. —Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 4 July 2024

The Monarchs, who are ranked No. 1 in the state, had already secured a spot in the finals, but there was no letup in their sweep of the Oilers, 25-15, 25-16, 25-16. —Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

Anunoby’s injury looms large, and the schedule doesn’t let up. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 Feb. 2025

Kim’s film opens in high gear, with Chun sensing his chance to exploit a temporary power vacuum, and then never lets up as his band of cronies facilitate the plan with bribery, intimidation and the murder of fellow soldiers. —Richard Kuipers, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for letup

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

letup

1 of 2 noun

let·​up ˈlet-ˌəp 

: a lessening of effort or force

let up

2 of 2 verb

1

: to slow down : slacken

2

: to come to a stop : cease

the rain let up

3

: to ease off : be less severe

—used with on