Synonyms of step up

step up 1 of 2

verb

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

• intensify
• enhance
• deepen
• heighten
• strengthen
• consolidate
• reinforce
• beef (up)
• amp (up)
• boost
• sharpen
• amplify
• redouble
• point (up)
• accentuate
• broaden
• expand
• emphasize
• magnify
• enforce
• augment
• extend
• accelerate
• supplement
• lengthen
• maximize
• enlarge
• hasten
• jazz (up)
• stress
• quicken
• exacerbate
• aggravate
• enliven
• restrengthen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tone (down)
• reduce
• moderate
• decrease
• diminish
• abate
• weaken
• lessen
• subdue
• recede
• let up (on)
• alleviate
• subside
• lighten
• ease
• taper (off)
• wane
• dwindle

step-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌəp 

as in increase

something added (as by growth)

there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered

Synonyms & Similar Words

• increase
• boost
• gain
• addition
• rise
• raise
• increment
• augmentation
• expansion
• supplement
• accrual
• plus
• proliferation
• accretion
• uptick
• addendum
• accumulation
• continuation
• more
• complement
• extension
• jump
• collection
• spike
• upturn
• gathering
• assemblage
• accession
• appendix
• uptrend
• run-up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduction
• decrease
• loss
• decline
• lowering
• depletion
• diminution
• fall
• abatement
• decrement
• shrinkage
• lessening
• step-down
• deduction
• diminishment
• falloff
• drop-off
• subtraction

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of step up

Verb

The latest attack by Russia comes as Kyiv has stepped up long-range drone strikes in Russia. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 July 2026

His failure to step up in the pocket and inconsistency in feeling pressure points allow edge rushers to swipe the ball out of his hands way too easily. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Noun

These exercises included marching in place, stair step-ups, and fast bodyweight squats, all of which could be performed at home with no equipment and without dedicating a large block of time. — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026

The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax rules to take advantage of the step-up in basis which would have otherwise been lost. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026