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
Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Ovechkin finished the game with two goals and an assist in Game 1, but was held off the stat sheet in Game 2.
Cole Caufield needs to step up for Montreal in this one.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Hayes set a step-up on-ball screen for Doncic, with both of their defenders staying close to Doncic and Reaves’ defender (Brooks) peeling into the paint to take away Hayes’ dive to the rim, leaving Reaves wide open above the 3-point line.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Right-hander Luke Weaver, who has closing experience, has really stepped up and responded to late inning high-leverage innings.
—Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Ovechkin finished the game with two goals and an assist in Game 1, but was held off the stat sheet in Game 2.
Cole Caufield needs to step up for Montreal in this one.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
Doing so allows clients to reclaim assets that will benefit from a step-up in basis at death while moving appreciating assets outside of their estate.
—Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Hayes set a step-up on-ball screen for Doncic, with both of their defenders staying close to Doncic and Reaves’ defender (Brooks) peeling into the paint to take away Hayes’ dive to the rim, leaving Reaves wide open above the 3-point line.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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Since then, Israel has announced a plan to intensify its war on Gaza.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
9 May 2025
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At the same time, customer acquisition costs are climbing, lifetime value is shrinking and the competitive landscape is intensifying.—
Amit Jhawar,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
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That's still an increase of $2 million over recent years.—
Javier Zarracina,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
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At the three-month mark, my skin visibly looked more glowy, likely thanks to the increase of collagen production.—
Perrie Samotin,
Glamour,
3 May 2025
Verb
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The recently operational Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) further enhances accessibility to South Mumbai.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 May 2025
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By replacing human workers with AI tools, Intuit aims to enhance efficiency and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving fintech sector.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Noun
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That’s where an editor—like any editor, in any writing situation—can help wedding speakers find their voice and where, needed, provide a boost of confidence.—
Jon Posen,
Vogue,
2 May 2025
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Original price: $30 The Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner gives your locks a moisture boost.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Verb
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Grief can soften us and deepen our empathy or bring on rage and isolation.—
Friends of Karen,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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As for the film’s source material, Chew-Bose says that making Bonjour Tristesse significantly deepened her appreciation for Sagan’s very real novel.—
Jessie Heyman,
Vogue,
1 May 2025
Noun
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The Doctor, who has clearly been keeping tabs on Earth, brings Conrad into the TARDIS to reprimand him for betraying Ruby and using people’s fears and insecurity for his own gain.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
3 May 2025
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In addition to economic gain, many women delay motherhood to take advantage of the relatively new opportunity to exert their voice in the workplace.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 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 loss of leadership, Stern said cutting NIH's ties to the Safe to Sleep campaign sends a disconcerting message to families who have experienced infant loss.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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In addition to the soundtrack, a largely instrumental score was also shared.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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