raise the ante

phrase

1

: to raise the cost or price

The popular actor first demanded twice the salary offered him but then kept raising the ante.

2

: to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something

—often + on

The new law raises the ante on people who cheat on their taxes.

3

: to set a higher standard or goal

—often + on

The film raises the ante on special effects.

Examples of raise the ante in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, the big jump by Kansas raises questions about whether Indiana can raise the ante to attract the Bears. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for raise the ante

• vigilante
• anti
• auntie
• canty
• grantee
• panty
• scanty
• shanty
• chianti