as in intensified
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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Recent Examples of stepped up
China has vowed to unify with Taiwan, by force if necessary, and in recent years has stepped up its military activities around the island democracy.
—
Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Kaytranada, perennially fashion’s favorite DJ for an after party, stepped up to the decks later in the night.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, has not only stepped up but has positioned itself as a template for climate leadership from the Global South, providing another compelling example of contextual ESG integration.
—Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Executive vps Ryan Brown, Jessica Sinn and Justin Zambuto stepped up to lead the company day-to-day after Horne exited, and all three will now report to Henchman.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
In fact, Moscow has recently stepped up its offensive and on Sunday launched its biggest air attack on Ukraine, hitting a key government building.
—Silvia Amaro, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
While Todd and Julie were in prison, Savannah stepped up to parent their other minor children - Grayson, 18, and Chloe, 12.
—Ryan Coleman September 2, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Taliban call for international assistance The Taliban have appealed to the world for more aid to support relief efforts, but so far, few countries have stepped up.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Jackson has attracted interest from Premier League clubs while RB Leipzig have stepped up talks over re-signing Nkunku.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Kaytranada, perennially fashion’s favorite DJ for an after party, stepped up to the decks later in the night.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, has not only stepped up but has positioned itself as a template for climate leadership from the Global South, providing another compelling example of contextual ESG integration.
—Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Executive vps Ryan Brown, Jessica Sinn and Justin Zambuto stepped up to lead the company day-to-day after Horne exited, and all three will now report to Henchman.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
In fact, Moscow has recently stepped up its offensive and on Sunday launched its biggest air attack on Ukraine, hitting a key government building.
—Silvia Amaro, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
While Todd and Julie were in prison, Savannah stepped up to parent their other minor children - Grayson, 18, and Chloe, 12.
—Ryan Coleman September 2, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Taliban call for international assistance The Taliban have appealed to the world for more aid to support relief efforts, but so far, few countries have stepped up.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Jackson has attracted interest from Premier League clubs while RB Leipzig have stepped up talks over re-signing Nkunku.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped up
Verb
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The southern resident population faces exceptional challenges that have intensified reproductive failures.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its long-range strikes on Ukraine.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Originally intended to replace the existing F-22, the NGAD plane is planned to have enhanced stealth, weapon-carrying ability, and also a ‘loyal wingman’ drone.—
Abhishek Bhardwaj,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Sep. 2025
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Our favorites helped our razors glide smoothly across the skin for an ultra-close shave, while aloe vera and almond oil soothed, hydrated, and enhanced the skin’s appearance — mitigating irritation.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Zarutska, 23, died in a public knife attack on Charlotte Area Transit System’s Lynx Blue Line in late August, and her death heightened discussions about safety on and near the city’s public transit.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Sep. 2025
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Several individuals have faced professional consequences for public comments about Kirk's death, and security has been heightened at related locations.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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His affection for sunflowers deepened after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.—
Christine Fernando,
Twin Cities,
12 Sep. 2025
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The dynamic only deepened as gun ownership expanded.—
Maurizio Valsania,
The Conversation,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The past month has renewed conversations about home rule, which many Democrats believe should be strengthened.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
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These examples show that more protections need to be established and strengthened, advocates say.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The current epidemic of tariffs seemed to start out this way, but then consolidated and endured to the point of causing real economic damage.—
Mark Weisbrot,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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These observations and others were consolidated into his later book The Humane Interface, from which this article has already liberally quoted.—
Cameron Kaiser,
ArsTechnica,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stepped up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20up. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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