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

Relevance

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

And Denver cannot be the only entity to step up and assist RTD. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 24 July 2026 The umpire stepped up to keep Stark and Gonzales from getting any closer to one another, but the resulting scuffle led players to swarm the pair. — Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 24 July 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 — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax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 Book of Five Rings has only grown in relevance as demands on executives have intensified.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
The Sun in your 7th House of Relationships opposes Pluto in your sign, intensifying the push-pull between your needs and someone else’s expectations.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026

Definition of intensify

Noun

State leaders have introduced Assembly Bill 1383, which undermines crucial PEPRA guardrails, granting an unfunded pension benefit increase to first responders by reducing their retirement age.

— Zachary Christensen, Oc Register, 24 July 2026
Critics warn that dramatic increases could force small businesses to reduce hiring, automate more jobs, or raise prices.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

For Greece, the investment is part of a broader effort to modernize its armed forces and enhance deterrence capabilities in a region marked by persistent security concerns.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026
While visual effects can enhance martial arts on screen, Wu argues that authentic filmmaking still depends on performance.

— Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 25 July 2026

Definition of enhance

Noun

Starting next year, the deal adds Peacock to YouTube Premium, the ad-free tier of YouTube's core product, a move Front Office Sports says could deliver a subscriber boost in the millions to the newly profitable streamer.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Someone already getting enough zinc from their diet is unlikely to see a boost.

— Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of boost

Verb

Cartels, smaller mafias and street gangs hold sway in town halls and state governments around the country and have deepened their role in the economy.

— Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
The cocktail is fresh juicy summer strawberries, paired with vodka, gin, lemon, coriander, and two liqueurs, Licor 43, for a deepening vanilla element, and Aperol, for rhubarb and orange and a touch of texture.

— Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 25 July 2026

Definition of deepen

Verb

The threat expanded on the Yemeni militant group’s call Monday to close off the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Saudi ships, heightening the risk for vessels passing through the channel.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
These concerns have been heightened by last week’s debut of Kimi K3, an advanced open-source AI model from Chinese AI startup Moonshot.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 20 July 2026

Definition of heighten

Noun

The organization has taken a key measure with the addition of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III.

— Vahe Gregorian July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Sports from the traditional standbys (artistic gymnastics) to the newest additions (flag football, lacrosse and squash) all sold through their first-drop availability.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of addition

Browse Nearby Words

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 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of step up

verb

noun

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