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
David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
The two giants are increasingly at odds, The Wall Street Journal reported, and other challengers are also stepping up to meet growing demand.
—semafor.com, 22 June 2026
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Thanks to the step-up in basis tax provision, any gain in the value of their assets during their lifetime is also erased upon their death, avoiding any capital gains tax.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Other discounters step up Spirit’s other rivals in the discount category also have been conspicuous in their additions, essentially upholding the airport’s tradition of being the state’s mainstay for budget carriers.
—David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
The two giants are increasingly at odds, The Wall Street Journal reported, and other challengers are also stepping up to meet growing demand.
—semafor.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax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
Thanks to the step-up in basis tax provision, any gain in the value of their assets during their lifetime is also erased upon their death, avoiding any capital gains tax.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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At the same time, the pace of technological change is accelerating, and global competition is intensifying.—
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
-
As supporters continued singing, waving flags and celebrating into the evening, anticipation for the match only intensified.—
J.M. Banks
June 15,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
In addition to the president’s resignation, unions are demanding wage increases and an end to fuel and dollar shortages.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
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Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
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The project in Boyle Heights would enhance bike lanes and pedestrian-level lighting and improve shading by planting more than 300 shade trees.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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While making ergonomic improvements to the CJ4 Gen3 cabin, for instance, Citation added a glass cockpit that will enhance its reputation as the light-jet leader for single pilots.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
Noun
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Advertisement Economic relief for Iran The deal’s financial relief for Iran, while a concern for some American lawmakers, could actually be a boost for the global economy, analysts say.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
19 June 2026
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Charcoal lends an extra purifying boost, while hydrolyzed keratin smooths frizz and softens hair after cleansing.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest, deepening the sense of crisis within the Labour Party.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
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In the years following 2020, cities nationwide experienced alarming increases in homicides, shootings and other crime as the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life, destabilized local economies and deepened distrust in public institutions.—
Diane Goldstein,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The scale of Musk’s own net worth is now almost impossible to comprehend, such that, on Monday, SpaceX’s stock rallied, and Musk’s one-day gain was more than the net worth of Bill Gates, once the richest person in the world.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2026
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However, Nawrocki is a nationalist politician who has exploited anti-Ukrainian sentiment for electoral gain.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Reducing capital would heighten risks for depositors and taxpayers in future financial crises, as robust capital buffers are essential safeguards.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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Like its predecessor 30 Rock, that constant patter defines the show’s tone by heightening its world into near absurdity, all while remaining grounded in the emotional realities of its characters.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The contributions to Becerra and Bonta are one signal that AI giants and their employees have taken notice, investing in state elections in addition to congressional races.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
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In addition to a woman believed by authorities to be O'Brien's girlfriend, a 3-year-old was also in the apartment at the time of the initial shooting, according to court documents.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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