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
Just having it on him will up the ante.
—
Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
But according to Automotive News, Infiniti wants to up the ante and boost power from the current 400-hp to 450-hp.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
It was always meant to build on the three-cylinder 675SS and 675NK models to up the ante.
—New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2025
To really up the ante on a relaxing getaway to Coopers Beach and Southampton, book a room at Shou Sugi Ban House in nearby Water Mill—just give yourself plenty of time to enjoy both the wellness retreat and the beach.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for up the ante
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
But according to Automotive News, Infiniti wants to up the ante and boost power from the current 400-hp to 450-hp.
—Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
It was always meant to build on the three-cylinder 675SS and 675NK models to up the ante.
—New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2025
To really up the ante on a relaxing getaway to Coopers Beach and Southampton, book a room at Shou Sugi Ban House in nearby Water Mill—just give yourself plenty of time to enjoy both the wellness retreat and the beach.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for up the ante
Cite this Entry
“Up the ante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up%20the%20ante. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share