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
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Recent Examples of step up
CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026
During dinner, musician Malcolm McRae — who’s featured in Simkhai’s campaign imagery, and is also Anya Taylor-Joy’s husband — performed a song for the crowd, while Mia Moretti stepped up for DJ duty.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Then by buying those securities back, the taxpayer can get a free step-up in basis that adjusts to today’s value, Collado said.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
At the same time Europe needs to step up.
—CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026
During dinner, musician Malcolm McRae — who’s featured in Simkhai’s campaign imagery, and is also Anya Taylor-Joy’s husband — performed a song for the crowd, while Mia Moretti stepped up for DJ duty.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
The step-up in performance is needed because AI has shifted to more specialized networks of models that not only sift through massive amounts of inputs but need to solve particular problems through multistage processes.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Then by buying those securities back, the taxpayer can get a free step-up in basis that adjusts to today’s value, Collado said.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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Crisis intensifies Fuel shortages and blackouts have been intensifying in Cuba this month as the nation struggles to import oil for its power plants and refineries.—
Andrea Rodriguez,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Infections during pregnancy also pose severe risks for mothers who are not vaccinated or immune, including miscarriage and a tenfold increase in death due to pneumonia.—
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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An average increase of 26 minutes of sleep per night.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The best eyebrow pencils can help enhance your makeup look by framing your features.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2026
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The trilayer device design also helped the researchers develop a model for their observations and further enhance power output by tweaking salt concentrations and nanopillar structures.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But that boost also didn’t last long – 2025 was marked mostly by Russia’s slow, grinding offensive along the 1,200-kilometer-long frontline.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Beans and peas planted as companion plants for peppers can give your plants a nutrient boost and promote more vigorous growth.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Lopez’s remarks underscore the deepening rift with the union and charter advocates.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Lula arrived in India for a state visit on Wednesday that will last through to Sunday, seeking to deepen ties with India which, like Brazil, is a founding member of the BRICS+ bloc of developing nations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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All of our bank stocks, at least, remained above the fray and finished the week higher, led by a 2% gain for Wells Fargo .—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2026
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But a defeat at home to the lowly Eagles (9-18, 2-12) would have canceled out much of Tuesday’s gain in status.—
Randy Jennings,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Israel’s strikes on Iran in June were preceded by a sophisticated infiltration by Israel’s Mossad spy agency, a tactic that heightened the already paranoid state of the Iranian regime.—
Farida Elsebai,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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As much is clear in the vivid animation, layered jokes, and peculiar fixations — an endearing combination that heightens what could’ve been a forgettable series.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In Los Angeles County, a December UC Berkeley report found 167 preschools closed between 2020 and 2024 — a decline in child care spots that researchers attributed partly to the addition of the public school grade.—
CalMatters,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
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The Padres’ latest addition to the starting rotation competition is an old nemesis who has fallen on hard times.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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