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
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2025
Grand Canyon has played in the last three NCAA tournaments, but takes a step up in competition with its move to the Mountain West Conference this season.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2025
Just look at the step-up Boxster S model.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
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Verb
Trent Battle steps up TCU starting running back Kevorian Barnes exited the game after just one carry with an unknown injury, forcing the Horned Frogs to rely on their depth.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2025
Grand Canyon has played in the last three NCAA tournaments, but takes a step up in competition with its move to the Mountain West Conference this season.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
In the wake of a shooting at Fountain Square, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said police officers will step-up enforcement and arrests for minor offenses, a reversal of the city's most recent approach to policing.
—David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2025
Just look at the step-up Boxster S model.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
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 30 Oct. 2025.
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