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

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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
Energetic Pursuit On a frigid, sunny morning in December 2025, Picard stepped up to a podium wearing a sweater embroidered with a squiggly cartoon of a mitochondrion. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026 In turn, this will help guide conservation efforts for this species, which is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature—one step up from endangered. — Douglas Main, Scientific American, 17 July 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 — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax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
  • Now, an intensifying war has again closed off significant access to Persian Gulf oil, reinjecting chaos into the market.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Authorities arrested presidential candidates, opposition figures, business leaders and journalists ahead of that vote as the government intensified its criminalization of dissent.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of intensify
Noun
  • June was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022, the United Nations said this week – an increase driven by long-range Russian missiles that have struck urban residential buildings.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • That hugely successful group also helped drive other major changes in the nation’s music-consumption habits, like an increase in CD sales.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026
Definition of increase
Verb
  • The researchers are working on several aspects of the diving suit technology, including improving durability, adapting the suit for other cockroach and insect species, and integrating additional sensors to enhance functionality.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • Visitors can enhance their experience by staying overnight in one of four bed-and-breakfast-style suites at Falcon Manor, located on the mansion’s grounds.
    — Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of enhance
Noun
  • Try a trend-forward pair of glove flats to give your look an elevated boost, transforming your slouchy bottoms from low-key to downtown chic.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 15 July 2026
  • For formal events, heels from Kate Spade, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Steve Madden, usually featuring a platform sole to offer her a boost.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Definition of boost
Verb
  • That’s after pragmatists inside Iran privately admitted that the initial naval blockade had crushed the economy, with the blockade’s resumption reportedly deepening a rift between pragmatists and hard-liners who want to fight more aggressively.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 July 2026
  • As May’s troubles deepened last fall and winter, Elyse prepared for the day her daughter would turn 18.
    — Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 18 July 2026
Definition of deepen
Noun
  • Issues of potential fertility decline in this male population also need to be addressed, as well as signs of high testosterone including sleep issues, excess body hair, liver disease, weight gain and mood disorders.
    — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • But without housing, any gains from those programs could be short-lived, Montalvo said.
    — Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Definition of gain
Verb
  • The critical animus was heightened in the late eighties by the AIDS crisis, when many in the art world felt that the Reagan Administration had turned its back on what was happening.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • Due to flooding risks heightened by the Claremont Fire’s burn scar, the National Weather Service is closely monitoring conditions of the Freestone Creek Basin near the Military Reserve.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2026
Definition of heighten
Noun
  • One way to begin is with the mental and physical reset provided by the Crossings Ceremony, the most recent addition to Miraval Austin’s Life in Balance Spa offerings.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
  • The coaching staff thought the talent the team inherited, with the addition of a few bargain signings, was better than the numbers showed.
    — Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 16 July 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of step up for Spanish Speakers

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