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

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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

Jim had been stepping up his calls for Meta to start a cloud business, correctly predicting the struggling stock would soar in response. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 11 July 2026 Several participants said that parents and community leaders needed to step up. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 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 — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax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

Monsoon season and an intensifying El Niño are also underway and could bring more chances for rain to the region.

— Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Uganda has been a source of stability in a volatile region, but intensifying authoritarianism warrants a review of the United States’ relationship with one of its most important security and counterterrorism partners in East Africa.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 13 July 2026

Definition of intensify

Noun

The group, which has a team of volunteers dedicated to tracking immigration enforcement, has seen a noticeable increase in enforcement since January 2025.

— Mathew Miranda July 9, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
As the market scales and visibility increases, legislative frameworks are likely to follow.

— Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

That impressive steak, seasoned just right to enhance the natural flavors of the wagyu beef, is just one reason to visit Enzo Steakhouse at Trilith in Fayetteville.

— Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026
Wider Michelin tires come standard, as does enhanced regenerative braking and handy access panels to make servicing easier – a feature your mechanic will certainly appreciate.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026

Definition of enhance

Noun

This narrative was given a rocket-fuel boost when UC math professors released an open letter demanding standardized tests be reinstated to weed out the unprepared students cluttering their classes.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Another one of Lopez’s Paris looks was given a significant boost by a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps in neutral beige leather.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

Definition of boost

Verb

Records showing the Cuban government has secretly stockpiled cash as people on the island cook their food over firewood has only deepened the sentiment that the government in Havana must go.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
This move completes Meta's ad automation, offering advertisers free creative variations and deepening platform dependence.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of deepen

Noun

Gifts from foundations, such as those backed by the Samueli and Sun families, rose by about 3%, despite huge gains in stock markets and other assets that typically boost the financial health of foundations.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
Brendan McDermid | Reuters Meta shares rallied on Friday, lifting their gains for the week to 15%, on pace for the best weekly performance since early 2024, as optimism builds around CEO Mark Zuckerberg's artificial intelligence strategy.

— CJ Haddad, CNBC, 10 July 2026

Definition of gain

Verb

The critical animus was heightened in the late eighties by the AIDS crisis, when many in the art world felt that the Reagan Administration had turned its back on what was happening.

— Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Due to flooding risks heightened by the Claremont Fire’s burn scar, the National Weather Service is closely monitoring conditions of the Freestone Creek Basin near the Military Reserve.

— Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2026

Definition of heighten

Noun

Regardless of whether listeners caught it, Watts’s aggressive proto-punk drum beat and the addition of a fuzz tone made the song sound even dirtier.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026
Key steps include focusing on additions, recognizing emotional payoffs, reducing friction, and sharing successes to make habits self-sustaining.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of addition

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steps up

step up

step-up

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“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of step up

verb

noun

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