STEP-UP Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

step up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of step up

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

step-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌəp

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

Verb

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also praised the passengers who stepped up and noted in his statement that investigation is still ongoing. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 While Aaron Judge is on the shelf for the entirety of this best-of-three Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, other New York Yankees homegrown talent stepped up to take Game 1 in the Bronx on Tuesday night. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Noun

These exercises included marching in place, stair step-ups, and fast bodyweight squats, all of which could be performed at home with no equipment and without dedicating a large block of time. — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax rules to take advantage of the step-up in basis which would have otherwise been lost. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for step up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up

Verb

Currently, the interplay of elevated interest rates and high oil prices is intensifying risk aversion across global markets, suggesting capital outflow pressure on emerging market bonds could persist for some time.

— , CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
North Korea has intensified tensions with a series of military displays this month, including short-range ballistic missile launches, live-fire missile and artillery exercises, and the commissioning of a new warship.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of intensify

Noun

Verizon is committed to offering a wide variety of diverse programming across our lineup, while also protecting our viewers from unjustified price increases.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
Bigger fleet for flight testing Stratolaunch has been expanding its flight operations as demand for hypersonic testing increases.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Additionally, existing chains are likely to respond by upgrading facilities, expanding loyalty perks and enhancing prepared food options.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026
The military exemption in South Korea also applies to classical and traditional musicians, dancers and other artists who are viewed as enhancing national pride.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of enhance

Noun

In the meantime, though, the 50-50 split means the industry is about to see a boost.

— Emma Alpern, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, a Chinese immigrant and chair of the Board of Supervisors’ budget committee, is a progressive backed by labor whose campaign received a major boost from Pelosi’s endorsement.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of boost

Verb

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vietnamese President To Lam met in Canberra last month, pledging to deepen their partnership on issues like defense and trade.

— Shibani Mahtani, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
What’s more, its growth runway could widen materially as the Huntsville, Alabama, company deepens its relationships with disruptive defense innovator Anduril Industries and space-launch leader SpaceX .

— Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of deepen

Verb

Poland’s prime minister warns Russia may target countries supporting Ukraine with hybrid attacks, while new drone explosions have heightened local fears.

— Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
The Pentagon chief’s expansive needs only heighten some Republicans’ skepticism of his leadership over the US military.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of heighten

Noun

The latest addition to her oeuvre, The Phoebe Variations, is a wildly original story of complicated and unlikely family arrangements, the fluidity of identity, and just about every kind of love imaginable.

— Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the anniversary set is The Black Sessions Revealed.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of addition

Browse Nearby Words

steps up

step up

step-up

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Style

“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of step up

verb

noun

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