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
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026
After Joel Edmundson stepped up to hit Benson, Carrick scooped up the loose puck and glided across the crease for a backhand goal.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
According to the Roadmap for Accelerating the Shift Towards a Just Energy Transition for the fashion industry in Bangladesh, launched Tuesday at the OECD Forum in Paris, there is extreme urgency for a fast and fair switch to clean energy, backed by a step-up in financing from global brands.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Just stepping up in tough games and guarding the best players and trying not to foul.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026
After Joel Edmundson stepped up to hit Benson, Carrick scooped up the loose puck and glided across the crease for a backhand goal.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
If the intensity wasn’t necessarily up there with Dwyane Wade busting Kobe Bryant’s nose in 2012, this was still a massive step-up from the 211-186 result of two years ago.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
According to the Roadmap for Accelerating the Shift Towards a Just Energy Transition for the fashion industry in Bangladesh, launched Tuesday at the OECD Forum in Paris, there is extreme urgency for a fast and fair switch to clean energy, backed by a step-up in financing from global brands.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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Comparisons to the build-up to the 2008 Global Financial Crisis are now intensifying as concerns over underlying loan quality grow.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
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As his erratic behavior intensified, so did her drug abuse.—
Pamela Colloff,
ProPublica,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Critics of these no tax increase bonds argue that instead of the debt having an end date when it will be paid off, taxpayers have to chip away at debt for a longer length of time.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
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With its PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, the ink dries quickly to avoid smudging, while the two-sided printing capabilities increase efficiency.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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By enabling submarines to deploy and recover unmanned vehicles while remaining hidden, the technology enhances both mission flexibility and operational safety.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
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The new definition of Mormon perfection looks different now, but that’s not to say the pursuit of looking naturally beautiful is easier than looking artificially enhanced.—
Elizabeth Gulino,
Allure,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With their visit comes a boost to other parts of the city.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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In a client note, Fishman said the introduction of an ad tier in 2022 has provided a boost to the company by increasing its options.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That silence has only deepened scrutiny.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
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Thousands of Shahed drones have pummeled the Persian Gulf this month, hitting hotels, airports, seaports, desalination plants, and energy infrastructure, and deepening the worst oil-price shock in modern history.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Dark green in particular, such as bottle green, gains depth when combined with a shade like petrol or teal.—
Jana Ackermann,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2026
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However, peeling back the curtain, that support drops substantially when looking solely at younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents — two groups that Trump made gains with in 2024.—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tensions were heightened recently when the General Synod failed to agree on reforms related to same-sex unions, leaving one of the most delicate debates for the institution’s future unresolved.—
Stefania Conrieri,
Vanity Fair,
27 Mar. 2026
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That anxiety is only heightened after the couple arrives at Nicky’s family’s winter cabin, where they’re set to be married in five days.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The changes at the intersection will mean the addition of two signs that will have flashing lights triggered by people or traffic at the crossing roads.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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In addition to his robust campaign fundraising, Holland has been able to bring on the head of the local Republican Party, Matthew Kay, as his campaign chair.—
Richard A. Webster,
ProPublica,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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