This list includes 17 Prepositions that start with U, from “under” to “upwards of”. Most entries are spatial, directional, or relational words and phrases. They serve everyday writing, teaching, editing, and language study.

Prepositions that start with U are words and short phrases that show relationships of place, time, or reason. Many come from old English usage, and “under” is a notably ancient and common example.

Below you’ll find the table with Preposition, Definition, Common pairings, Example, and Notes.

Preposition: The single word or multi-word phrase listed so you can locate the entry quickly and alphabetically.

Definition: A concise plain-language meaning that helps you grasp typical function and core sense at a glance.

Common pairings: Three to five frequent collocations or complements showing how you commonly see the preposition used.

Example: One clear sentence demonstrating natural use so you can judge syntax, register, and everyday context.

Notes: Brief usage tags and tips that flag archaic, regional, or formal senses and common meaning shifts.

Prepositions that start with U

PrepositionFormUsageCommon pairings
undersingle-wordcommonthe table, control, pressure, suspicion
underneathsingle-wordcommonthe couch, layers, the cover, protection
untilsingle-wordcommonmidnight, tomorrow, finished, further notice
upsingle-wordcommonthe hill, the stairs, victory, speed
uponsingle-wordformalarrival, receipt, closer inspection, occasion
untosingle-wordarchaic/formalyou, us, them, the people
unlikesingle-wordcommon/formalhis style, other cities, previous models, its predecessor
up tomulti-word prepositional phrasecommonthe task, par, 100, you
up againstmulti-word prepositional phrasecommon/informala wall, problems, deadlines, reality
up frommulti-word prepositional phrasecommonlast year, poverty, humble beginnings, previous levels
up onmulti-word prepositional phrasecommon/informalthe news, details, the situation, policy
up inmulti-word prepositional phrasecommon/informalthe attic, arms, the air, town
up throughmulti-word prepositional phrasecommonthe night, the ranks, generations, the pipeline
up untilmulti-word prepositional phrasecommon/informalmidnight, yesterday, now, the moment
up tillmulti-word prepositional phrasecommon/informalclosing time, yesterday, then, the hour
upward ofmulti-word prepositional phrasecommon/informal1,000, 100, a dozen, several
upwards ofmulti-word prepositional phrasecommon/informal500, 100, several, dozens

Descriptions

under
Below or beneath; indicates position, cause, or condition. Example: “The cat hid under the bed.”
underneath
Directly below or beneath, often implying close contact. Example: “She found her keys underneath the couch.”
until
Up to the time that; marks a limit in time or condition. Example: “Wait here until I get back.”
up
Toward a higher place or position; indicates movement or increase. Example: “They climbed up the hill.”
upon
On; more formal or literary equivalent of “on.” Example: “Upon arrival, please sign in.”
unto
Archaic or literary equivalent of “to” or “until.” Example: “Give this message unto the council.”
unlike
Different from; used in comparisons. Example: “Unlike her sister, she loves loud music.”
up to
As far as, as much as, or the responsibility of. Example: “Whether we go is up to you.”
up against
Facing or encountering (often difficulties or obstacles). Example: “We’re up against a tight deadline.”
up from
Indicating origin or a rise from a lower state or place. Example: “She rose up from poverty to succeed.”
up on
Informed about or positioned on (idiomatic uses). Example: “Are you up on the latest research?”
up in
Located within or involved in; used in idioms. Example: “The kids are up in the attic.”
up through
From lower to higher within a span or period. Example: “He worked up through the ranks.”
up until
Variant of “until,” used with time limits. Example: “You can call up until midnight.”
up till
Informal variant of “up until” meaning until a time. Example: “She studied up till midnight.”
upward of
Meaning “more than” or “approximately above” (often with numbers). Example: “There were upward of 1,000 attendees.”
upwards of
Variant of “upward of”; means “more than” or “around.” Example: “Upwards of 500 people came to the event.”
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