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
Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Even with the big departures, there are some solid candidates to step up, including returnees in the Spartans wide receiver room.
—Aaron Johnson, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
If the intensity wasn’t necessarily up there with Dwyane Wade busting Kobe Bryant’s nose in 2012, this was still a massive step-up from the 211-186 result of two years ago.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
But behind Griner, a pair of former UConn stars are also stepping up.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Even with the big departures, there are some solid candidates to step up, including returnees in the Spartans wide receiver room.
—Aaron Johnson, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
The division of Fox Entertainment launched earlier this year at CES, reflects a step-up of ongoing efforts across Fox to strengthen ties with creators.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
If the intensity wasn’t necessarily up there with Dwyane Wade busting Kobe Bryant’s nose in 2012, this was still a massive step-up from the 211-186 result of two years ago.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
The army's seizure of power intensified longstanding armed resistance in Myanmar, as pro-democracy activists joined with ethnic armed groups that had been battling for decades for greater autonomy, leading to a civil war still affecting most of the country.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
As the smell intensified, Lina crossed to the front door of her apartment, undid the lock, and yanked the sticky door open.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Rain chances increase this afternoon with a focus from midafternoon through a bit beyond sunset expected.—
Ian Livingston,
Washington Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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The Pentagon's budget request this year also asked for more than $70 billion to procure missiles and related equipment, a nearly threefold increase compared to last year.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The series’ earnestly naïve sound design (horses neighing, cars revving) only enhanced my appreciation of Joudrey’s sophisticated storytelling.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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Set the scene Where once hotels were conceived and designed to enhance a sense of escape, Lombok Lodge Villas’ architecture (a collaboration between architect Vittorio Sioni and the owners) is about recalibrating and reawakening the senses.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But the wide receivers room was in dire need of a boost.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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The factors that have helped consumers keep their heads above water in the face of tariff price rises and oil inflation, to name a few—such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and tax refunds—aren’t frequent boosts to spending.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His work deepened and developed under the responsiveness of the academy and a larger and not-yet-balkanized reading public.—
Nick Laird,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
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With worker shortages deepening across the region, governments are running out of time.—
Catherine Thorbecke,
Twin Cities,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Their action engendered a response from Democrats and a decision by California voters that canceled out the potential gains of Republicans in Texas by conducting a partisan gerrymander of their own.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Apr. 2026
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The rights group warns that the move violates freedom of association and represents a direct assault on Tunisia’s democratic gains, vowing to challenge the decision in court.—
Ghaya ben Mbarek,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Climate change has also heightened risks.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
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While lower costs could boost margins for existing developers, the technology will also lower barriers to entry, potentially heightening competition.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ólafur Darri Ólafsson and Phil Dunster are among the new casting additions.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
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No big offseason additions were made last summer, as the Bulls counted on Josh Giddey, Coby White and second-year forward Matas Buzelis to carry the offense.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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