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
Chase Goodbread, The Tuscaloosa News, 3 Sep. 2025
Sure, most major publishers have abandoned it in favor of multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) releases like League of Legends or DOTA 2 — which ironically owe their births to Blizzard's 2002 masterpiece Warcraft 3 — but smaller studios and companies have stepped up to fill the void.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2025
Most entry-level cameras omit weather protection—Canon leaves it out of its most affordable EOS RP and step-up EOS R8 bodies, for instance—but Nikon puts it in the Z5II, and in the Z 5 for that matter.
—PC Magazine, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
He's got some new faces around him in the Texas offense who need to step up their level of play.
—Chase Goodbread, The Tuscaloosa News, 3 Sep. 2025
Sure, most major publishers have abandoned it in favor of multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) releases like League of Legends or DOTA 2 — which ironically owe their births to Blizzard's 2002 masterpiece Warcraft 3 — but smaller studios and companies have stepped up to fill the void.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
Four of the five bedrooms connect to the gardens, while a step-up soaking tub and walk-in closet with luxe paneling are standout features of the primary suite.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2025
Most entry-level cameras omit weather protection—Canon leaves it out of its most affordable EOS RP and step-up EOS R8 bodies, for instance—but Nikon puts it in the Z5II, and in the Z 5 for that matter.
—PC Magazine, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Magnet programs and schools were a way to promote voluntary integration, though locally the magnet system has intensified the city's racial and economic divide, a previous Courier Journal investigation found.—
Krista Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, the West Coast may see continued increases ahead in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada due to seasonal refinery maintenance and the shutdown of a refinery in Southern California, which will keep supply tight.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Sep. 2025
-
But an increase in appreciation and funding isn’t the only thing needed to improve special education.—
IndyStar,
IndyStar,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
He is known for his advocacy in advancing preventive healthcare models, with an emphasis on the role of lifestyle interventions in managing chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being.—
Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Cowboys-Eagles Touchdown Scorer 50% Profit Boost Token One of the best offers available within the DraftKings Sportsbook app is the 50% profit boost token that can be used for any touchdown scorer bet before the opening kickoff of Cowboys-Eagles tomorrow night.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Fort Worth’s reputation as a place to plant roots just got a boost.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
For Josie Ferreira, a New Yorker attending her third cookout, the event is a rare chance to gather across boroughs and deepen bonds.—
Essence,
Essence,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Esmeralda seems clearly intended as an instant fan favorite, a go-to source of big, broad laughs who somehow deepens with every new quirk.—
Jesse Hassenger,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This is the classic Jevons Paradox where efficiency gains make technology cheaper to use, which drives more use overall.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Democrats, as of now, only need a net gain of three seats to take back the majority in the House, while the Senate will prove more of a stretch for them.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Standing in the hulking concrete box—the open-air nucleus of the home—evokes being in a James Turrell Skyspace, your senses heightened to the shifting of the light or the passing of clouds.—
Siobhan Reid,
Robb Report,
7 Sep. 2025
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During the eclipse, Scorpios should enjoy themselves, but should try to show self-restraint while the eclipse heightens their feelings and impulsivity.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In addition to receiving the film, consumers who purchase Liam Neeson’s The Naked Gun on PVOD will receive several bonus features, including featurettes, deleted, alternate and extended scenes and mock ads, according to a press release from Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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In addition to the Monza neighbor, there’s also a Publix about four miles north at the 14-story Douglas Grand condominium on Douglas Road.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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