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
Nathan Dunn, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
But behind them is a group of players the Hurricanes will need to step up entering 2026.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
According to the Roadmap for Accelerating the Shift Towards a Just Energy Transition for the fashion industry in Bangladesh, launched Tuesday at the OECD Forum in Paris, there is extreme urgency for a fast and fair switch to clean energy, backed by a step-up in financing from global brands.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
The Comets plan to treat the playoffs as an entirely new season, where different players can step up and deliver.
—Nathan Dunn, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
But behind them is a group of players the Hurricanes will need to step up entering 2026.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
If the intensity wasn’t necessarily up there with Dwyane Wade busting Kobe Bryant’s nose in 2012, this was still a massive step-up from the 211-186 result of two years ago.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Feb. 2026
According to the Roadmap for Accelerating the Shift Towards a Just Energy Transition for the fashion industry in Bangladesh, launched Tuesday at the OECD Forum in Paris, there is extreme urgency for a fast and fair switch to clean energy, backed by a step-up in financing from global brands.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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The backlash intensified because of timing.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Most importantly, the legislation intensified punishments for those with prior convictions, with the worst offenders looking at a first-degree felony with up to 30 years imprisonment.—
Sean M. Cleary,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As Christians around the world mark Holy Week, the Catholic Church in the United States is reporting a notable increase in attendance and interest in joining the faith.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The new menu reflects a broader trend in stadium dining, where teams are looking into unique and locally inspired food items, while also enhancing the overall game day experience.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Basically, this treatment entails using a sample of your own blood to create a more concentrated version that’s rich in growth factors — then, that version is injected into your scalp to give your hair follicles a boost.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
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The next morning, the in-tent coffee machine provided a necessary boost to start the day after a good night’s sleep.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That silence has only deepened scrutiny.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
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Thousands of Shahed drones have pummeled the Persian Gulf this month, hitting hotels, airports, seaports, desalination plants, and energy infrastructure, and deepening the worst oil-price shock in modern history.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Dark green in particular, such as bottle green, gains depth when combined with a shade like petrol or teal.—
Jana Ackermann,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2026
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However, peeling back the curtain, that support drops substantially when looking solely at younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents — two groups that Trump made gains with in 2024.—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Luna also trines Mercury, further heightening our communication skills.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
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The change — included in contract revisions the City Commission approved in February — is the latest example of the city bending on its requirements to move the project forward as the anticipation around the stadium heightened.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In addition to Slattery, Mardie Frye, Charlie Watson and Jayde Hudson scored goals in the shootout for Centennial.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
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Add remaining meringue in 3 batches, gently folding with a rubber spatula after each addition until only a few streaks of meringue remain (err on the side of undermixing to keep the cake batter billowy).—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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