up the ante

idiom

1
: to raise the cost or price
The popular actor first demanded twice the salary offered him but then kept upping the ante.
2
: to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something
often + on
The new law ups the ante on people who cheat on their taxes.
3
: to set a higher standard or goal
often + on
The film ups the ante on special effects.

Examples of up the ante in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Hardwired | Dimensions: 15 x 13.75 x 13.75 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 15 and 17.13 inches Best Under $500 Ready to up the ante with your kitchen design? Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025 And though, really, every day is a day to celebrate your mom, that special Sunday in May is the time to up the ante. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 May 2025 Despite some behind-the-scenes shakeups, the show's new season will up the ante by super-sizing its cast with several notable names. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 May 2025 There’s reason to think that next year’s celebration will up the ante. Amy S. Greenberg, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for up the ante

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Cite this Entry

“Up the ante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up%20the%20ante. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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