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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 stepped up
The National Association of Secretaries of State, which has long been a place for secretaries to discuss election security threats, has stepped up its efforts this year, said spokesman John Milhofer.
—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
That’s when Tucker, who went three for five with four RBIs Saturday, stepped up to the plate.
—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2026
Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for the war and make Russians feel the consequences of the invasion, now in its fifth year.
—
ABC News,
27 June 2026
This week, Jennifer Lopez stepped up her style game for the New York City premiere of her new Netflix romantic comedy Office Romance, and Kerry Washington sparkled in gold at the 2026 Gotham TV Awards — and that's just the beginning.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
It should be pointed out that Machado has stepped up to take plenty of blame in 2026.
—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2026
In the bottom half of the inning, Gasparino stepped up to the plate, with the bases empty this time, and drilled an opposite-field home run to take a 3-2 lead.
—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
31 May 2026
Now, Fatu is feuding with Reigns on Raw, and Gunther has immediately stepped up as a serious threat to Rhodes’ WWE title.
—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Then, late in the year, Fitzpatrick was injured and Trader stepped up to give that role a shot.
—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2026
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
That’s when Tucker, who went three for five with four RBIs Saturday, stepped up to the plate.
—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2026
Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for the war and make Russians feel the consequences of the invasion, now in its fifth year.
—
ABC News,
27 June 2026
This week, Jennifer Lopez stepped up her style game for the New York City premiere of her new Netflix romantic comedy Office Romance, and Kerry Washington sparkled in gold at the 2026 Gotham TV Awards — and that's just the beginning.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
It should be pointed out that Machado has stepped up to take plenty of blame in 2026.
—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2026
In the bottom half of the inning, Gasparino stepped up to the plate, with the bases empty this time, and drilled an opposite-field home run to take a 3-2 lead.
—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
31 May 2026
Now, Fatu is feuding with Reigns on Raw, and Gunther has immediately stepped up as a serious threat to Rhodes’ WWE title.
—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Then, late in the year, Fitzpatrick was injured and Trader stepped up to give that role a shot.
—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped up
Verb
-
Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election after a June debate performance intensified concerns about his age and ability to serve.
-
Hot, dry and windy conditions Wildfire activity has intensified across the western United States, as consecutive days of hot, dry and windy weather have fueled flames in Utah, Arizona and elsewhere as new fires popped up across the region.
Verb
-
It isn't intended to be enhanced by treating the inmate with hostility and cruelty.
-
Others, already on the flight home, leave with their reputations enhanced, their followers multiplied and their place in World Cup folklore secure.
Verb
-
The continued seismic activity has heightened fears among residents, many of whom remain unwilling to return to homes that might have suffered structural damage.
-
An interesting month for the ‘baby designer’ crowd A new genome-editing tool used in early embryos has illuminated the role of a key gene overseeing the first stages of human development — and heightened the ongoing debate about whether such tools could or should ever be used to make a baby.
Verb
-
Recent workplace shifts have deepened the loneliness epidemic.
-
The continued seismic activity has deepened fears among residents already traumatized by the disaster.
Verb
-
In recent days, after Museveni was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term, Kainerugaba has strengthened his grip with a series of directives and orders usually reserved for the head of state.
-
The good news is that resilience can be strengthened long before a crisis occurs.
Verb
-
Some of the institutions will be consolidated with others nearby.
-
After Biden conceded to the critics who grew louder after the debate, Vice President Kamala Harris quickly consolidated the party elite’s support, including an endorsement from the then-president.
Cite this Entry
“Stepped up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20up. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
