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
Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
During the Championship Basketball Tournament, Long credited his quick maturity stepping up to varsity.
—Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
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
In the year that’s followed, the same locals have stepped up to hold their governments accountable and fill in where leadership was vacant — even when some people, including some of their peers — considered that work controversial.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
During the Championship Basketball Tournament, Long credited his quick maturity stepping up to varsity.
—Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026
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
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For immigration advocates in the Bay Area, Good’s death has intensified long-standing concerns about intimidation and retaliation against those who monitor federal agents.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The chaos intensified after someone threw a snowball.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
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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
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Titanium dioxide materials and high-refractive-index lenses further enhance light absorption.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
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These features are further enhanced by technology that adapts to individual preferences, such as smart shower controls and lighting systems tailored to each user.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The city was already buzzing Friday night with both Bears and Packers fans, as the return of the NFL's oldest rivalry is a boost to spirits and business.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
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To be sure, how much of a boost beneficiaries see depends on the size of their current benefits.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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Beck capitalized on that to get shorter gains and set up more manageable third-down situations.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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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 10 Jan. 2026.
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