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
Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2025
At the same time, a growing number of high-end hotels are stepping up to serve as hiking hubs.
—Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
Lana Bortolot, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Exercises like squats, lunges and step-ups can strengthen your quads.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
This is the set to watch next weekend: rumors are the guests will be totally different, with Dave Grohl and Cynthia Erivo both rumored to be stepping up.
—Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2025
At the same time, a growing number of high-end hotels are stepping up to serve as hiking hubs.
—Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
The upper floor of the main house includes the primary bedroom, with a large step-up open bathroom through an arch and a dressing room.
—Lana Bortolot, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Exercises like squats, lunges and step-ups can strengthen your quads.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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As the pope’s funeral approached, security around the Vatican intensified.—
Alan Yuhas,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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President Trump’s recent ultimatum proposing U.S. recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea has intensified the diplomatic divide within Europe, forcing European capitals to choose between Kyiv or Washington.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Courant recently reported that while most Connecticut communities are proposing modest tax increases of 1 to 4% and a few planning no changes at all, several were warning of heftier hikes, one nearly 20%.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2025
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According to the National Golf Foundation, 3.7 million young people, ages 6 thru 17, played golf on a course in 2024, an increase of close to 50 percent from five years earlier.—
Christopher Iasiello,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His mission is to democratize AI, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can leverage automation to enhance productivity and efficiency.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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This approach enables companies to tailor marketing strategies and personalize offerings, thereby enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The fabric is known to be smoothing and super flattering, so expect this pair to deliver an extra boost of confidence.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2025
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The survey found that the boost in economic optimism that accompanied Trump’s reelection has disappeared, with more Americans now believing the economy will get worse than at any time since 2023 and with a sharp turn toward pessimism about the stock market.—
Steve Liesman,
CNBC,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In today’s environment—where diners increasingly ask where food comes from—this trend gives operators a way to deepen authenticity, connection, and trust. #4 Diner Designed Menus that listen, meals that engage The rise of personalization isn’t new.—
Unilever Food Solutions Contributor,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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The intricate tensions of their relationships are deepened by evocations of the past—including their forebears’ tragic resistance to enslavement—and of enduring African traditions.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The gains in electric vehicle stocks may be related to the Shanghai auto show kicking off.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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President Trump later noted the stock market's gains but declined to echo Bessent's view that the current economic standoff with China couldn't continue as is.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Forecasters said the combination of drought stress and windy weather significantly heightens the risk of new outbreaks in parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, PennLive reported.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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The crisis heightened in September 2006, after the Gol Flight 1907 accident that killed all passengers and crew onboard.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In addition to the performers, the ceremony will honor Warren Zevon with the Musical Influence Award, and key behind-the-scenes figures like Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye with the Musical Excellence Award.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
28 Apr. 2025
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In addition to Clemente, Florida got solid relief outings from Philpott after his initial scuffle, and right-hander Luke McNeillie.—
Matt Jones,
Arkansas Online,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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