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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of step up
Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Isa Briones is stepping up her campaign against poor theater etiquette.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
The foyer has a step-up entry from the front door, which feels elegant, and the living room is spacious with lovely touches in every direction — notice the built-ins with the arches that bookend the fireplace.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Some other airlines stepped up to help Spirit passengers whose flights were canceled.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Isa Briones is stepping up her campaign against poor theater etiquette.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Noun
The Peloton Cross Training Tread measures 65 by 33 by 68 inches (HWD), has a step-up height of 8 inches, and weighs 286 pounds.
—Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
The foyer has a step-up entry from the front door, which feels elegant, and the living room is spacious with lovely touches in every direction — notice the built-ins with the arches that bookend the fireplace.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
The shooting has also intensified calls by conservatives to fully fund DHS through a single bill — blaming Democrats for the shutdown and arguing that splitting apart ICE and Border Patrol funding will only give the minority party leverage.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Instead, the slight thaw suggests a more modest agenda that the countries should now pursue, one that acknowledges that tensions between them over fundamental issues — trade, technology, global status — are more likely to intensify than abate.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many questions from the fair rent commission members on Saturday focused on Sun Communities’ profits compared to the cost of the rent increase to residents.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
County voters have overwhelmingly approved sales-tax increases to fund Metro projects.—
Oren Peleg,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
The new thermal insulation material improves upon aerogel by enhancing its mechanical properties while maintaining moisture permeability and quick-drying performance.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Saudi Aramco’s new supercomputer, meant to accelerate the search for new oil and gas deposits and enhance output from existing fields, costs $373 million.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The faster spin resulted in a 30 percent boost in lift capability.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 May 2026
-
The strange upside of high-profile rulings like Friday’s is a boost to Democratic messaging against the few swing-state centrist Republicans who are still clinging to House seats.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Renewable energy The global oil crisis has only deepened the desire by many countries to transition to clean energy, which could be a boon for the sector.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
-
Compared to other regions in the country, Dubrovnik could be harder hit if the fuel crisis deepens because of its location at the southern tip of Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coastline.—
Darko Bandic,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Running back Anthony Woods was a standout on the white team, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a six-yard run and going for multiple big gains early.—
Sean Campbell,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
With that gain, the Dow Industrials component is up more than 55% in 2026 — on track for its eighth straight winning year.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
However, this evolution will heighten concerns regarding accountability, reliability, and unintended escalation.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
-
That means their savings will be eroded over time, heightening the risk of running out of money in retirement.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
In addition to racking up points with your favorite hotel brands or airlines, Orbitz offers exclusive members-only prices that save you money on current and future reservations.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In addition, the complex would have 79 one-family homes for sale.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
