stepped up; stepping up; steps up
1
: to increase, augment, or advance especially by one or more steps
The team really stepped up their performance.
The enemy stepped up their attacks.
He also plans to step up efforts to headhunt for the best and brightest …—
Jerry Garrett
Jerry GarrettFactory production was stepped up in an effort to meet helicopter shortfalls.—Shelby L. Stanton
Shelby L. Stanton2
: to increase (a voltage) by means of a transformer
… the use of transformers to step up the voltage to very high levels …—Thomas P. Hughes
Thomas P. Hughes1
a
: to make the effort required to provide information, make a claim, volunteer, etc.
She stepped up to claim responsibility.
see also step up to the plate
b
: to succeed in meeting a challenge (as by increased effort or improved performance)
They just didn't have the guys to step up and make the big plays with the game on the line.—Peter King
Peter King2
: to undergo an increase
Business is stepping up.
3
: to receive a promotion
She stepped up to the position of general manager.
variants
or step up
plural step-ups or step ups
: an increase or advance (as in size or amount) and especially one that is gradual or incremental
Lower inflation will minimize cost-of-living step-ups for Social Security recipients …—Arthur M. Louis
Arthur M. LouisThis model will give them the quality step-up they want at a decent price …—Len Feldman
Len Feldman"… We expect a gradual step up in sales each quarter as 2021 progresses, followed by an extended period of growth starting in 2022."—Nick Stanage
Nick StanageExamples of step up in a Sentence
Verb
candidates stepping up their campaigns as election day draws near
stepped up the pace to catch up with the others
Noun
there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered
Recent Examples on the Web
Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
The Kankakee Public Library is stepping up in a big way after an EF-3 tornado tore through the county earlier this month.
—Noel Brennan, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
The Peloton Cross Training Tread measures 65 by 33 by 68 inches (HWD), has a step-up height of 8 inches, and weighs 286 pounds.
—Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
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Verb
Igor Thiago stepped up to take it, placing his shot to Livakovic’s right.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
The Kankakee Public Library is stepping up in a big way after an EF-3 tornado tore through the county earlier this month.
—Noel Brennan, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
The exercise program involved two group exercise classes per week, including 30 minutes of intervals on an exercise bike, then 15 minutes of circuit training (step-ups, boxing, squats, kettlebells, and so on).
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
The Peloton Cross Training Tread measures 65 by 33 by 68 inches (HWD), has a step-up height of 8 inches, and weighs 286 pounds.
—Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20up. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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