up-tempo

adjective

up-tem·​po ˈəp-ˌtem-(ˌ)pō 

: having a fast-moving tempo

up-tempo music

an aggressive up-tempo style of basketball

Examples of up-tempo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Donovan installed an up-tempo offense in 2024-25 after trading DeRozan and Caruso, but the Bulls were never more than a play-in contender, and dealt LaVine in February to end that long and dysfunctional chapter. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Under new head coach Karl Smesko, the Dream are continuing to lean into a faster, more up-tempo style, focused on spacing the floor and creating easy scoring chances in transition. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026

Both players have enjoyed the shift to Sammis’ scheme, which is more pro-style compared to former OC Kendal Briles’ up-tempo, spread offense. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2026

The upshot was a Heat offense, at least earlier in the season, that was up-tempo, exciting and effective. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for up-tempo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo