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
Other Knicks stepped up, particularly on the defensive end; Bridges finished the game with a layup and dance moves, after stymieing the 76ers star Tyrese Maxey.
—
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
Fasano stepped up with a go-ahead goal as the Bucs had a 7-6 lead at the end of the third.
—Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2026
Haven’t these 187,000 individuals stepped up, surpassing their citizen neighbors in a way central to American republicanism?
—Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
Smith’s prosecution comes one month after the Department of Justice (DOJ) stepped up its fraud enforcement.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
By the time Game 6 rolled around, Minnesota was without star Anthony Edwards, sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo and even Ayo Dosunmu, who had stepped up earlier in the series in the absence of the latter duo.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 2 May 2026
At the same time, the Iranian regime has stepped up its brutal crackdown on dissent.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Defensively, players big and small stepped up.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Reyes was the only one who stepped up.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
Fasano stepped up with a go-ahead goal as the Bucs had a 7-6 lead at the end of the third.
—Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2026
Haven’t these 187,000 individuals stepped up, surpassing their citizen neighbors in a way central to American republicanism?
—Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
Smith’s prosecution comes one month after the Department of Justice (DOJ) stepped up its fraud enforcement.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
By the time Game 6 rolled around, Minnesota was without star Anthony Edwards, sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo and even Ayo Dosunmu, who had stepped up earlier in the series in the absence of the latter duo.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 2 May 2026
At the same time, the Iranian regime has stepped up its brutal crackdown on dissent.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Defensively, players big and small stepped up.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Reyes was the only one who stepped up.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped up
Verb
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Several candidates said the case has intensified conversations around ethics and accountability, while also highlighting broader frustrations residents already had with City Hall responsiveness and city services.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
9 May 2026
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Forgoing the traditional show of force in favor of security, the parade took place after intensified Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory, particularly against oil refineries, as the Ukrainian government accuses the Kremlin of continuing attacks on Kyiv and beyond.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Verb
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This sprawling resort has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation over the last 10-plus years, work that has refreshed rooms and the lobby, added a coffee shop, and enhanced wellness perks.—
Jess Hoffert,
Midwest Living,
9 May 2026
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Additionally, the trails running through and around the outer edge of the forest will be enhanced to improve accessibility.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Verb
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This turn for the heightened has both benefits and drawbacks.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
8 May 2026
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Russia heightened security for Victory Day celebrations Saturday, including shutting down mobile internet in Moscow and warning of potential retaliatory strikes if Ukrainian attacks disrupt the event.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
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China, which has deepened military and economic cooperation with both Pakistan and Iran in recent years, has publicly celebrated Pakistan's role in facilitating indirect communications between Tehran and Washington.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
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On the witness stand, Nadella testified that OpenAI retained its independence even as the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership deepened over time.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Like Armenia, Kazakhstan has also strengthened its relationship with Western countries and organizations while slowly distancing itself from the Russian Federation.—
Mark Temnycky,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
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Its presence has strengthened the country’s military capacity and helped stabilize the regime, at least temporarily, according to Nsaibia.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
Verb
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As of April 30, 21 deals had been consolidated into three pending arbitration cases.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
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The next major decision for the district could come this summer, when school leaders determine whether to pursue a bond measure for additional classroom space and upgrades at Upper Blue Elementary, the school students will be consolidated into.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stepped up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20up. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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