up the ante

phrase

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

The side part offers a contoured look with lots of body, especially when coupled with perfect spiral curls, while the half-up portion up the ante on the allure. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 2 July 2026

While the mayor didn't mention his ongoing demand to tax rich city residents, his fellow democratic socialists took to social media to up the ante. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

So Delta decided to up the ante with its new design, extending the lie-flat bed by more than three inches for even more comfort—for a total of six-and-a-half feet of space when fully extended. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026

To up the ante, the person who lasted the longest in the challenge would also win an Applebee's feast for their group of five. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026

Rhymes for up the ante

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