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
Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Isa Briones is stepping up her campaign against poor theater etiquette.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
The foyer has a step-up entry from the front door, which feels elegant, and the living room is spacious with lovely touches in every direction — notice the built-ins with the arches that bookend the fireplace.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Some other airlines stepped up to help Spirit passengers whose flights were canceled.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Isa Briones is stepping up her campaign against poor theater etiquette.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Noun
The Peloton Cross Training Tread measures 65 by 33 by 68 inches (HWD), has a step-up height of 8 inches, and weighs 286 pounds.
—Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
The foyer has a step-up entry from the front door, which feels elegant, and the living room is spacious with lovely touches in every direction — notice the built-ins with the arches that bookend the fireplace.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
The shooting has also intensified calls by conservatives to fully fund DHS through a single bill — blaming Democrats for the shutdown and arguing that splitting apart ICE and Border Patrol funding will only give the minority party leverage.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
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Instead, the slight thaw suggests a more modest agenda that the countries should now pursue, one that acknowledges that tensions between them over fundamental issues — trade, technology, global status — are more likely to intensify than abate.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many questions from the fair rent commission members on Saturday focused on Sun Communities’ profits compared to the cost of the rent increase to residents.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
County voters have overwhelmingly approved sales-tax increases to fund Metro projects.—
Oren Peleg,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
Verb
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The new thermal insulation material improves upon aerogel by enhancing its mechanical properties while maintaining moisture permeability and quick-drying performance.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Saudi Aramco’s new supercomputer, meant to accelerate the search for new oil and gas deposits and enhance output from existing fields, costs $373 million.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Noun
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The faster spin resulted in a 30 percent boost in lift capability.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 May 2026
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The strange upside of high-profile rulings like Friday’s is a boost to Democratic messaging against the few swing-state centrist Republicans who are still clinging to House seats.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The story attracted her first, a heartwarming narrative about an aquarium cleaner (Field) who looks after a giant Pacific octopus (voiced by Alfred Molina) and the young drifter (Lewis Pullman) who deepens both their lives while doing his own soul-searching.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
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Just Women’s Sports Named WNBA Emerging Media Partner Just Women’s Sports has been named an Emerging Media Partner of the WNBA ahead of the 2026 season, deepening its investment in women’s basketball.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Russia’s bigger and better-equipped military has been making slow but steady gains along the more than 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) front line.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
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Russia's bigger and better-equipped military has been making slow but steady gains along the more than 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) front line.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Verb
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However, this evolution will heighten concerns regarding accountability, reliability, and unintended escalation.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
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That means their savings will be eroded over time, heightening the risk of running out of money in retirement.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Noun
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In addition to racking up points with your favorite hotel brands or airlines, Orbitz offers exclusive members-only prices that save you money on current and future reservations.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
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In addition, the complex would have 79 one-family homes for sale.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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