step up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of step upnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

step-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌəp How to pronounce step-up (audio)
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
These outdated systems and government ineptitude have caused outrage among Puerto Ricans, who have taken to the streets to demand that government officials step up to get the crisis resolved. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 If commercial broadcasters decline too far, who will step up to fund local drama, entertainment formats, news and current affairs programming? — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 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 — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax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
  1. intensify
  2. increase
  3. enhance
  4. boost
  5. deepen
  6. gain
  7. heighten
  8. addition
Verb
  • Clashes have intensified near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key maritime chokepoint, in recent weeks after the Houthis declared a blockade of Saudi shipping in the Red Sea.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Nearly all the survivors have returned to Morocco, and both countries have intensified security measures.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensify
Noun
  • The city says there was a large increase in complaints in May, likely due to the end of the school year.
    — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The vaccine included a mumps strain called Urabe that was linked to an increase in meningitis in about 1 in 900 people who got that country’s original MMR vaccine — a higher rate than expected.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • At West Ham, Fernandes enhanced his reputation as a player who can not only drive his team forward but also play a key role out of possession, defending on the front foot.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Vuong’s photographs are displayed rather conventionally on the gallery walls, but the viewing experience is enhanced by images of his that have been printed on cloth banners that hang in the center of the space.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhance
Noun
  • If your shampoo of choice doesn’t have peppermint as a critical ingredient, try adding a few drops to the bottle for a boost.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The problem appears especially glaring in thinner fields that could desperately use a boost in the competition — like this year’s limited series crop.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of boost
Verb
  • As China’s strategic rivalry with the US and its allies deepens, Beijing has broadened its anti-espionage campaign, casting suspicious eyes on foreign ties amid concerns about the leak of state secrets.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Savoring distinguishes itself from gratitude and mindfulness by actively deepening present joys.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of deepen
Noun
  • Such headwinds are unfamiliar for Reform, which had previously been in the ascendancy, leading national opinion polls and enjoying historic gains in local elections.
    — Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Later in the game, Williams caught a downfield hitch and broke a tackle for a 25-yard gain.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of gain
Verb
  • The risks are heightened for women of color, according to the most recent maternal mortality data from the March of Dimes and the CDC.
    — Kristin Wright, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Growing tensions with Washington have heightened Beijing’s anxieties.
    — Caitlin Welsh, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of heighten
Noun
  • Then there’s the hotel’s latest addition as of April, The Baths.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Marc Cucurella’s transfer to Madrid and Lucas Digne’s to PSG are the only new additions to the list from this summer’s window.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of addition

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Cite this Entry

“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of step up for Spanish Speakers

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