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
CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026
During dinner, musician Malcolm McRae — who’s featured in Simkhai’s campaign imagery, and is also Anya Taylor-Joy’s husband — performed a song for the crowd, while Mia Moretti stepped up for DJ duty.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Lorie Konish, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
Examples include air squats, step-ups, push-ups, and dips.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
At the same time Europe needs to step up.
—CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026
During dinner, musician Malcolm McRae — who’s featured in Simkhai’s campaign imagery, and is also Anya Taylor-Joy’s husband — performed a song for the crowd, while Mia Moretti stepped up for DJ duty.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
Then by buying those securities back, the taxpayer can get a free step-up in basis that adjusts to today’s value, Collado said.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025
Examples include air squats, step-ups, push-ups, and dips.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
Crisis intensifies Fuel shortages and blackouts have been intensifying in Cuba this month as the nation struggles to import oil for its power plants and refineries.—
Andrea Rodriguez,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
-
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The focus areas expected to power these margin increases for FedEx include its high-value B2B and specialized B2C segments.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Without that data, the BLS assumed that no price increases had taken place during the month for most categories of goods and services.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The research team aims to explore how the patches can enhance situational awareness and monitor exposure for military personnel in hazardous environments.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Items such as candle sconces and decorative milagros add a touch of sparkle and enhance the mood.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Universities across the state will also get a sizable boost from the funding bills.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
-
But now researchers say a quick nap might offer that same kind of brain boost.—
Hunter Boyce,
AJC.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cuba’s energy crisis has deepened and daily blackouts sometimes last more than 24 hours at a time on some parts of the island.—
Nora Gamez Torres,
Miami Herald,
14 Feb. 2026
-
These experiences deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and help students connect Connecticut’s past and present in a more meaningful way.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Longitudinal studies across diverse populations will be needed to assess whether shifts in the oral microbiome can predict future weight gain, insulin resistance, or cardiometabolic decline, and perhaps most excitingly, whether modifying one's oral ecosystem alters systemic metabolic markers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The primary challenge of the 2025 gerrymandering was a lack of transparency and the prioritization of partisan gain over fair representation.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The idea that Wuthering Heights is alive is heightened in the film by production designer Suzie Davies’s sets.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
-
That possibility has injected urgency into negotiations and heightened the stakes of what has become a test of legislative independence from a governor who has long dominated Tallahassee politics.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In Los Angeles County, a December UC Berkeley report found 167 preschools closed between 2020 and 2024 — a decline in child care spots that researchers attributed partly to the addition of the public school grade.—
CalMatters,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The Padres’ latest addition to the starting rotation competition is an old nemesis who has fallen on hard times.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
