as in to intensify
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
candidates stepping up their campaigns as election day draws near stepped up the pace to catch up with the others
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in increase
something added (as by growth)
there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of step up
Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
Late at night, the staff are known for insulting anyone brave enough to step up to the counter.
—Jimmy Jellinek, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
If the intensity wasn’t necessarily up there with Dwyane Wade busting Kobe Bryant’s nose in 2012, this was still a massive step-up from the 211-186 result of two years ago.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
The foul was confirmed by video review and Reus stepped up and converted.
—Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
Late at night, the staff are known for insulting anyone brave enough to step up to the counter.
—Jimmy Jellinek, SPIN, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
The division of Fox Entertainment launched earlier this year at CES, reflects a step-up of ongoing efforts across Fox to strengthen ties with creators.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
If the intensity wasn’t necessarily up there with Dwyane Wade busting Kobe Bryant’s nose in 2012, this was still a massive step-up from the 211-186 result of two years ago.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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The shooting has also intensified calls by conservatives to fully fund DHS through a single bill — blaming Democrats for the shutdown and arguing that splitting apart ICE and Border Patrol funding will only give the minority party leverage.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
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Instead, the slight thaw suggests a more modest agenda that the countries should now pursue, one that acknowledges that tensions between them over fundamental issues — trade, technology, global status — are more likely to intensify than abate.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Rain chances increase this afternoon with a focus from midafternoon through a bit beyond sunset expected.—
Ian Livingston,
Washington Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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The Pentagon's budget request this year also asked for more than $70 billion to procure missiles and related equipment, a nearly threefold increase compared to last year.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The verdict As if its beautiful beaches and stunning lagoon aren’t enough to lull you into a sense of deep relaxation, Joali Being will stop at nothing to enhance your sense of wellbeing.—
Ann Lee,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
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Now Union Pacific has to demonstrate that this deal will enhance competition.—
Josh Funk,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But the wide receivers room was in dire need of a boost.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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The factors that have helped consumers keep their heads above water in the face of tariff price rises and oil inflation, to name a few—such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and tax refunds—aren’t frequent boosts to spending.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His work deepened and developed under the responsiveness of the academy and a larger and not-yet-balkanized reading public.—
Nick Laird,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
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With worker shortages deepening across the region, governments are running out of time.—
Catherine Thorbecke,
Twin Cities,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Their action engendered a response from Democrats and a decision by California voters that canceled out the potential gains of Republicans in Texas by conducting a partisan gerrymander of their own.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Apr. 2026
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The rights group warns that the move violates freedom of association and represents a direct assault on Tunisia’s democratic gains, vowing to challenge the decision in court.—
Ghaya ben Mbarek,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Climate change has also heightened risks.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
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While lower costs could boost margins for existing developers, the technology will also lower barriers to entry, potentially heightening competition.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In addition to racking up points with your favorite hotel brands or airlines, Orbitz offers exclusive members-only prices that save you money on current and future reservations.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
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In addition, the complex would have 79 one-family homes for sale.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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