The term "sweeps up" might be used to refer to gathering, taking in, or cleaning up items from a particular area or surface. However, if we consider its antonyms, the opposite meaning would be dissolving, dispersing, or scattering. You may also use "sweeps down" as its counterpart. Instead of gathering, it refers to spreading things downward or causing things to fall. Another antonym for "sweeps up" is discarding, disposing, or deleting, which implies eliminating or getting rid of something altogether. In conclusion, the antonyms for "sweeps up" involve scattering, discarding or cleaning down, and they are essential for a better understanding of the word's usage.