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
Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
People are searching for grown-ups willing to step up and lead on both sides, but especially on the left.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
Michael Engle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Exercises like wall-sits, clam shells, step-ups, and Romanian deadlifts target the knees and surrounding muscles to improve strength and stability.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Reynolds, a chief operating officer of a local logistics company, is stepping up to bat in the Ward 1 race against incumbent Tony Gillette, who served as chairman of the Northwest Johnson County Republicans before sitting on council.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
People are searching for grown-ups willing to step up and lead on both sides, but especially on the left.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
Second, evaluate which transactions should require step-up verification.
—Michael Engle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Exercises like wall-sits, clam shells, step-ups, and Romanian deadlifts target the knees and surrounding muscles to improve strength and stability.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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Melissa rapidly intensified, jumping from a 70 mph tropical storm on Saturday morning to a 140 mph Category 4 hurricane Sunday morning.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
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The 2023 edition opened a month later as Israel intensified its bombing campaign on Gaza, which has since killed more than 67,000 people, injured another 170,000 and razed the Palestinian territory to the ground, prompting accusations of genocide, which Israel has strongly rejected.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Based on his wealth-to-spending math, Yaros estimated that stock market gains in the last 12 months from the tech sector alone will boost annual consumption by nearly $250 billion, which would account for more than 20% of the cumulative spending increase.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
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Electronics would have seen the biggest increase, with shoppers spending an extra $186 while clothing or accessories would have cost $82 more.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Far from creating a cold, mechanical work experience, AI collaboration enhanced positive emotions in ways that rival human teamwork itself.—
François Candelon,
Fortune,
31 Oct. 2025
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Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The boot features a black leather upper with a platform-style 2-inch heel, providing a height boost without compromising comfort, and a lug sole that’s suitable for icy terrain.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Both of those were fine, and Conclave got a boost from the camp potential of its Vatican intrigues, but this new movie suggests that Berger isn’t capable of rising above his source material or, in this case, even meeting it.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Japan, one of the world’s most homogeneous nations, faces deepening labor shortages as its birth rate plummets and its population ages.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Using fractional diffusion theory, the research deepens understanding of transient charging behaviors in complex materials, which is key to designing high-performance components used for advanced engineering electrochemical systems in general.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The company said all regions and channels delivered double-digit gains.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
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Needing a first down to seal the game, McCarthy found Jalen Nailor for a 16-yard gain to convert on a high-pressure third down that allowed the Vikings to take a knee and run out the rest of the clock.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That imprimatur greatly heightens their appeal.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
1 Nov. 2025
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Such a move would also fuel distrust between the US and China and heighten their nuclear arms rivalry, analysts said.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Dan Angel and Bradley Gardner executive produce, with both Duhame and Kelly executive producing in addition to starring.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
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In addition to free admission, members receive invitations to members-only preview parties and special events, free admission to approximately six After Hours events, $4 off tickets to Speed Cinema, discounted admission on select programs, and more.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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