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
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
Ronnie Li, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Hannah McGuire stepped up to a microphone outside City Hall with hands clasped together in front of her and took a deep breath.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Nov. 2025
Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
There has also been a noticeable step-up in security measures around the company’s executive leadership (one insider says the entire C-suite has received threats).
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
His two older daughters, Christina and Stephanie, stepped up, ready to give him the ultimate gift — but after months of testing, neither was a match.
—Ronnie Li, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Hannah McGuire stepped up to a microphone outside City Hall with hands clasped together in front of her and took a deep breath.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
Do Not Disturb is a step-up for Miko that plays with early 2000s inspirations, hotel imagery, and even a surprise Lil Jon cameo.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
There has also been a noticeable step-up in security measures around the company’s executive leadership (one insider says the entire C-suite has received threats).
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
Violence has intensified, humanitarian aid remains blocked, and political prisoners, including my mother, remain behind bars.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Yet even among a number of Christians seeking to raise awareness and intensify efforts to put an end to systematic abuses committed by Boko Haram and other jihadi movements, the prospect of foreign intervention raises serious concerns.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Hopper saw a 40% increase in air travelers, adding its Disruption Assistance feature – which allows users to instantly rebook if their flight is delayed or canceled, or get a refund – overnight following the DOT’s announcement.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Since 2019, California has partnered with jurisdictions in 28 countries—touching more than a quarter of the world’s population, with a combined GDP in the tens of trillions of dollars—to cut greenhouse gases, enhance climate resilience and develop clean energy.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The stretchy cuffs help lock in heat, while the palm side has grip-enhancing rubber details.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The return of that duo would provide a huge boost for an offense that looked overmatched in its last matchup against a contender, a 24-9 Week 7 loss in Detroit.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
For customers upgrading from DSL or cable, Brightspeed Fiber offers a major boost in reliability and upload speeds without the complexity of traditional service agreements.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Congress members’ own backgrounds, largely shaped by selective public and private universities, only deepen the disconnect.—
Yolanda Watson Spiva,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
This experience has deepened my faith and commitment to working for His kingdom as a true follower of Jesus Christ.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
That said, many of the gains players made here won’t dramatically affect their bottom lines, and the reality is that most players on ECHL deals will still need those second jobs and other sources of income to continue to chase their dream of making it to the next level.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Beck capitalized on that to get shorter gains and set up more manageable third-down situations.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Having that rejection at the beginning of the movie sets the tone for my character where everything is just heightened.—
Breanne L. Heldman,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The parade’s mission is to recognize veterans’ sacrifices and heighten community appreciation of military service, its website states.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to his political activism, Michael was involved with several charities, including serving as chair of the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation board.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
In addition to this, beat reporters Mike Kaye and Alex Zietlow broke down the matchup and offered their predictions on the contest, as is customary.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share