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
ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Another pressing dossier on Magyar’s desk will the EU’s drive to step up sanctions on Russia, with Orbán blocking a recent package targeting the country’s energy revenues and shadow fleet.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2026
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
China has since stepped up its focus on renewable energy, even though fossil fuels still dominate its domestic energy mix.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Another pressing dossier on Magyar’s desk will the EU’s drive to step up sanctions on Russia, with Orbán blocking a recent package targeting the country’s energy revenues and shadow fleet.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
The division of Fox Entertainment launched earlier this year at CES, reflects a step-up of ongoing efforts across Fox to strengthen ties with creators.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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Spot gold, which is currently trading at around $4,838 per ounce, has fallen about 10% from its late-January peak, slipping into correction territory even as geopolitical risks intensify.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
15 Apr. 2026
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Washington has intensified its crackdown on the Cartel del Noreste - heir to the former Zetas - which has been accused of trafficking weapons, drugs and people, and is characterized by its violent practices and extortion.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Nevada Irrigation District says the increases are necessary to fix aging infrastructure while keeping up with rising costs.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
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Spencer said West Coast Tomato anticipates a 10% to 15% increase in costs in the fall, driven by rising transportation, oil and fertilizer prices.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This is the season to embrace perfumes that don’t overwhelm but rather float on the skin, enhancing your natural allure with every warm breeze.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
16 Apr. 2026
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The big story Last December, when Amazon pledged a massive $35 billion investment in India including for digitizing over 12 million small businesses and enhancing logistical infrastructure, the scale of the commitment seemed disproportionate to the market’s size.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Hawks’ bench received a significant boost when Atlanta traded Porzingis to the Warriors for Kuminga.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
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In June and early July, six matches for the FIFA World Cup are scheduled to be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, events that could provide a further boost for South Bay hotels.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Haiti, the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere, has been hit the hardest by rising oil prices that experts warn will deepen a spiraling humanitarian crisis.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
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The appointment comes as Rapha continues to expand its global community of riders and Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) members and deepen its presence in competitive cycling.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Some economists — including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — argued that sentiment would eventually catch up to reality once Americans adjusted to higher prices, and paycheck gains padded their bank accounts.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
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Chip stocks have surged this week as investors snapped up semiconductor names in lieu of software, with the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) closing the week with an 11% gain.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The mistake also comes amid heightening tension between sports streamers and more legacy sports media companies.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
16 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, Riley’s anxiety was heightened when her garden gate was recently damaged by someone.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In addition to a requirement for a warrant to access Americans' data, critics also want greater protections on how the FBI or other agencies can search communications and how that is reported to the public.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
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In the aftermath of the Google fiasco, Cukor turns to Palantir (in addition to Microsoft and Amazon) to make Maven a reality.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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