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
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
He’s stepped up to that stage and being in England will put the finishing touches on his game.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The design has a variety of building plans that will include starter homes, step-up homes and homes to downsize that can allow residents to transition at different life stages within the neighborhood, said Caleb Thorne of RaganSmith, representing the developers.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
The Texans’ defense was pushing the offensive line back, but center Austin Corbett was able to anchor against a defensive lineman, which allowed Young to step up in the pocket and throw off-platform to Mitchell for a big gain.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
He’s stepped up to that stage and being in England will put the finishing touches on his game.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
Other Planning Considerations Review existing trusts and estate plans for opportunities to modify existing irrevocable trusts to allow for step-up in income tax basis that may not have been contemplated in the initial plan.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The design has a variety of building plans that will include starter homes, step-up homes and homes to downsize that can allow residents to transition at different life stages within the neighborhood, said Caleb Thorne of RaganSmith, representing the developers.
—Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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This stuff is a powerful oxidizer that, while not flammable by itself, will accelerate and intensify combustion of rubber balloons, clothing, hair, skin, eye tissue and other things that burn when used around open flames such as bongs, joints, and cigarettes.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
13 Aug. 2025
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While Iran frames its warnings as a measure to deter future attacks, the U.S. and its allies view Iran's intensifying rhetoric as likely to heighten regional tensions.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Revenues in Asia grew 21 percent to $474 million, a 19 percent increase in constant currencies, with an 18 percent comp sales rise.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
7 Aug. 2025
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Overall, the tournament’s prize purse will top $90 million – the largest in tennis history and a 20% increase on last year, which stood at $75 million.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The theory is that each of these tax rates distinctly discourages the production and the seizing of initiative in the economy; therefore, cutting them enhances economic activity to an uncommon degree.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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Part of that facelift involved enhancing the fan experience, since taxpayers contributed $135 million overall to the project and 57% of ticket holders are either new fans or attended for the first time in 2024.—
Sydney Franklin,
The Enquirer,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Their combined net worth rocketed 74% to $1.6 billion as shares of Converge got a massive boost, partly from the government’s efforts to increase internet access across the archipelago.—
Jane Ho,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Domestic Parks & Experiences revenue jumped 10% to $6.4 billion and operating income grew 22% to $1.7 billion with higher spending and more hotel stays at the parks and resorts and, to a lesser extent, a boost from Disney Cruise Line from the launch of the Disney Treasure in the March quarter.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As the debt crisis only continues to deepen, Relief is leading the way for the change the market needs.—
Yola Robert,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Since its inception, Black August has served as a time to honor Black freedom fighters, deepen our political education and recommit to the struggle for liberation.—
Essence,
Essence,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Welcome To The Future, Today Ultimately, robots have the potential to ease the transition from aging infrastructure to more future-ready operations, offering meaningful gains in productivity along the way.—
Alexander Clausbruch,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Still, some observers question whether the immediate security gains might mask deeper risks to El Salvador’s democracy.—
David Culver,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Trump administration has also heightened deportation efforts — but Giordano said what city and department officials have been saying for months: Phoenix police do not enforce immigration laws and do not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.—
Elena Santa Cruz,
AZCentral.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Auroral activity has been heightened since last year, when the sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, which is a catalyst for coronal mass ejections and solar flares that contribute to stronger auroral activity.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Both are series regulars, in addition to Taylor Ortega (The Four Seasons), who will play Morgan.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
13 Aug. 2025
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In addition to hosting the show, Trump is producing the Kennedy Center Honors, which recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through performing arts.—
Michaela Zee,
Variety,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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