variants
or step ups
as in increases
something added (as by growth)
there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered
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Recent Examples of step-ups
Squats aren’t the only way to build strong quads—moves like step-ups, lunges, and leg presses target them just as well.
—
Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 15 Apr. 2026
The exercise program involved two group exercise classes per week, including 30 minutes of intervals on an exercise bike, then 15 minutes of circuit training (step-ups, boxing, squats, kettlebells, and so on).
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
Examples include air squats, step-ups, push-ups, and dips.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 8 Dec. 2025
Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 15 Apr. 2026
The exercise program involved two group exercise classes per week, including 30 minutes of intervals on an exercise bike, then 15 minutes of circuit training (step-ups, boxing, squats, kettlebells, and so on).
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
Examples include air squats, step-ups, push-ups, and dips.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 8 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-ups
Noun
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Faced with increases in insurance premiums, many households wind up relocating, the Dallas Fed report found.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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Councilwoman Jennifer Fisher, R-5th, said that while people don’t like tax increases, the public has been understanding about the town’s funding challenges.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Two Patriots veteran free-agent additions, outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, addressed the media on Thursday as the offseason workout program wrapped up for the week.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
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Now, the Jets will hope these new additions translate into wins, with the goal of turning around a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs in 15 seasons.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Inflation hit hard in recent years, while prompting employee groups, especially in urban areas, to fight for wage boosts to keep pace.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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Tech giants announced major revenue boosts this month, but the outlays have pushed up AI costs.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Running back Anthony Woods was a standout on the white team, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a six-yard run and going for multiple big gains early.—
Sean Campbell,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
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On Wednesday morning, economists polled by FactSet expect ADP to show job gains of 95,000 in April.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step-ups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-ups. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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