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
Philip Hackney, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Fenix also had a significant WrestleMania 41 moment, stepping up on short notice.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Hayes set a step-up on-ball screen for Doncic, with both of their defenders staying close to Doncic and Reaves’ defender (Brooks) peeling into the paint to take away Hayes’ dive to the rim, leaving Reaves wide open above the 3-point line.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Harvard’s supporters stepped up their donations after the administration’s initial efforts to punish Harvard.
—Philip Hackney, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Fenix also had a significant WrestleMania 41 moment, stepping up on short notice.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Noun
Doing so allows clients to reclaim assets that will benefit from a step-up in basis at death while moving appreciating assets outside of their estate.
—Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Hayes set a step-up on-ball screen for Doncic, with both of their defenders staying close to Doncic and Reaves’ defender (Brooks) peeling into the paint to take away Hayes’ dive to the rim, leaving Reaves wide open above the 3-point line.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
At the same time, customer acquisition costs are climbing, lifetime value is shrinking and the competitive landscape is intensifying.—
Amit Jhawar,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
-
Since then, Israel has announced a plan to intensify its war on Gaza.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
That’s above the 3.2% price increase expected for food-at-home purchased from grocery stores or supermarkets.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
That’s also the case for a $4,000 increase in the standard deduction for seniors.—
Kevin Freking,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
The recently operational Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) further enhances accessibility to South Mumbai.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 May 2025
-
By replacing human workers with AI tools, Intuit aims to enhance efficiency and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving fintech sector.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
Rising demand in the artificial intelligence space could mean a boost in shares of Alibaba , according to Morgan Stanley.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
14 May 2025
-
Segal sees digital technologies, film tax credits and other soft money available internationally as providing a financial and creative boost to Hollywood producers to go further afield to shoot projects.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
The temporary truce pulls the world's two largest economies back from the brink after trade between them nearly ground to a halt, raising recession risks in the U.S. and deepening deflationary pressures in China.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
-
Much like the overbuilding in the real estate sector that triggered a crisis and erased much of Chinese household wealth, excessive industrial capacity has deepened imbalances in the economy and raised questions about the model’s sustainability, particularly if broader conditions worsen.—
Li Yuan,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
In addition to economic gain, many women delay motherhood to take advantage of the relatively new opportunity to exert their voice in the workplace.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
-
The Doctor, who has clearly been keeping tabs on Earth, brings Conrad into the TARDIS to reprimand him for betraying Ruby and using people’s fears and insecurity for his own gain.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
The pro-Hindu nationalism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has heightened communal tensions in the country.—
Farah N. Jan,
The Conversation,
10 May 2025
-
With trust eroding and little progress made, the diplomatic window appears to be narrowing, heightening the risk that regional tensions could tip into open conflict.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
In addition to the loss of leadership, Stern said cutting NIH's ties to the Safe to Sleep campaign sends a disconcerting message to families who have experienced infant loss.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
In addition to the soundtrack, a largely instrumental score was also shared.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share