STEP UP Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

step up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of step up

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

step-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌəp

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

Verb

Miami never seriously threatened to close the gap down the stretch, with Reaves stepping up while Doncic rested to start the fourth quarter. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 Election nonprofits have stepped up to try to fill the gap, and states, with CISA’s help, have enhanced their own cyber defenses. — Jen Fifield, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026

Noun

These exercises included marching in place, stair step-ups, and fast bodyweight squats, all of which could be performed at home with no equipment and without dedicating a large block of time. — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax rules to take advantage of the step-up in basis which would have otherwise been lost. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for step up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up

Verb

The Daily Caller is clearly positioning itself for a landscape not just post-midterms but post- Trump, and for a bitter and intensifying intra-party media battle.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
This weekend's shows fell during the ceasefire, but the company plans to perform next weekend as usual, even as local officials warn that Russian forces have brought in more weapons and personnel and some residents expect shelling to intensify.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of intensify

Verb

Throughout history, some were commissioned to enhance the interiors with their signature flair while others bartered their artwork for breaks on daily rates and others simply just thrived off the scene.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Each picture mode offers essentially the same rich set of options, except for AI-enhanced, which locks you out of some settings (including local contrast and color tuner), presumably because the AI logic is handling those.

— M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of enhance

Noun

Bass said the Convention Center will give the city an economic boost and argued that the police raises kept the city from losing a much larger number of officers during her time in office.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
According to data from the Associated Press, Democrats have flipped eight House seats held by Republicans compared with two flips by the GOP, giving them a boost in the legislative body.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of boost

Verb

But North Korea’s deepening military ties with Russia since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine have led analysts to question whether Pyongyang is becoming less reliant on Beijing.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Residents of the southern Ukrainian ⁠town, occupied by Russian forces since February 2022, have reported a deepening food crisis.

— Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of deepen

Noun

Chinese automakers’ gains in Britain show how quickly consumers will consider a new competitor when the product delivers.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Existing bank account takeover A criminal gains access to your existing checking account, savings account, retirement account or payment app.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of gain

Verb

The designation could expose individuals accused of working with MI6 to prosecution under Iranian law and heighten the risk of military confrontation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
This discovery further heightens concerns regarding the manufacturing quality and overall reliability of American aerospace products.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of heighten

Noun

The 49ers’ bye week also came at a good time, with Mike Evans and Nick Bosa optimistic about returning and the addition of Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner providing another boost.

— Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026
Greetham, known for his Broadway work in Newsies and his turn opposite Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman in Netflix’s The Prom, as well as roles in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, completes the new cast additions.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of addition

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steps up

step up

step-up

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Style

“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of step up

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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