as in to intensify
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
candidates stepping up their campaigns as election day draws near stepped up the pace to catch up with the others
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in increase
something added (as by growth)
there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of step up
Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
His second game back could require a step up in speed and physicality.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Then by buying those securities back, the taxpayer can get a free step-up in basis that adjusts to today’s value, Collado said.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
As a three-time cross country world champion, Kiplimo stepped up to the roads after winning Olympic and World Championship bronze over 10,000m in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
—Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
His second game back could require a step up in speed and physicality.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
The step-up in performance is needed because AI has shifted to more specialized networks of models that not only sift through massive amounts of inputs but need to solve particular problems through multistage processes.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Then by buying those securities back, the taxpayer can get a free step-up in basis that adjusts to today’s value, Collado said.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
Andrésol’s steps into the job as security forces continue to intensify their fight against armed gangs and the country prepares for the deployment of the first military contingents of the United Nations authorized Gang Suppression Force.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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Fighting intensifies between Afghanistan and Pakistan Military conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified over the weekend, deepening instability in a region that was further rattled by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This represents a sixfold increase when compared with the last 16 months of the Biden administration, according to the analysis.—
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
But there are ways to push that increase higher if needed.—
Mark Dee
March 6,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Mar. 2026
-
In 2023, various groups in Texas came together to successfully advocate for several bills that enhance support for student parents by not only increasing assistance but also codifying their rights, ensuring that all colleges and universities are equipped to meet their unique needs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lincoln also got a huge boost from the return of all-state guard Jada Patterson, who tore her ACL in the summer but was able to play in the playoffs.—
Greg Riddle,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Lots of layers don’t automatically give limp hair an instant boost.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Less than a mile away, the corps is planning to deepen and widen the shipping channel leading into Port Everglades, blasting through the reef line and dredging up sediment that could smother acres of surrounding coral, according to federal scientists.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
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However, consumer advocates argued the agreement held the line on even higher increases and halted further policy cancellations that have deepened a crisis in the state’s insurance industry.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In fact, JPMorgan has already deployed a large language model used by 150,000 employees weekly, and CEO Jamie Dimon acknowledged that productivity gains from AI could mean the bank will employ fewer people in the coming years.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
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Consuming too much protein can lead to digestive issues, weight gain, and displacing other important nutrients like fiber.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Block’s move heightened concerns about how AI could further upend an already weak labor market; however, there are further dynamics at play, said Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer at Challenger, Gray & Christmas.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
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After all, when placed on a marquee, this punctuation mark signifies that a film will contain an exceptional array of excitement, thrills, and shock, heightening our expectations — as well as our disappointment when (as often happens) the hype isn’t delivered.—
Rachel Simon,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In addition to seeing stronger hair over time, she’s noticed that adding this formula to her regimen has helped improve her energy levels and balance her hormone levels.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2026
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In addition to the void left by Lemon and Lane’s departures, the Trojans will also be without their top returning wideout this spring, as Tanook Hines will sit out the entire session following an offseason procedure.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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