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
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
China has vowed to unify with Taiwan by force if necessary, and has in recent years stepped up military pressure, including large-scale drills simulating a blockade.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 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
It’s inspired by street food, but stepped up with the kind of creativity and flair that are bubbling throughout Panama City.
—Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Ukraine, for its part, has stepped up long-range drone attacks on Russian oil depots and refineries, which could drive up the cost of fuel for Russians.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Advertisement One by one, ambitious House Republicans stepped up and took their shot to succeed McCarthy.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
Then during the pandemic, MGM stepped up with money for a virtual writers’ room, and the writers broke out the first season and started writing episodes.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2025
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
China has vowed to unify with Taiwan by force if necessary, and has in recent years stepped up military pressure, including large-scale drills simulating a blockade.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 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
It’s inspired by street food, but stepped up with the kind of creativity and flair that are bubbling throughout Panama City.
—Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Ukraine, for its part, has stepped up long-range drone attacks on Russian oil depots and refineries, which could drive up the cost of fuel for Russians.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Advertisement One by one, ambitious House Republicans stepped up and took their shot to succeed McCarthy.
—Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
Then during the pandemic, MGM stepped up with money for a virtual writers’ room, and the writers broke out the first season and started writing episodes.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped up
Verb
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The vocal outcries of small groups of readers on social media were intensified by polarization and algorithm amplification.—
Kevin Dickinson,
Big Think,
2 Sep. 2025
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These rumors intensified after he was not seen in public for several days in August, though he has since been spotted playing golf.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to the statement, with the backing of PAI, Marcolin has broadened its international reach and enhanced operational efficiency, reinforcing itself as a leading player in the wholesale eyewear market.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
5 Sep. 2025
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There will be enhanced medical and sports science areas.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The drama was further heightened by Texas Republican leaders’ calls to track down, fire, or arrest the quorum-breakers.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
2 Sep. 2025
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But this has only heightened Beijing’s suspicion of backdoors and surveillance, prompting some Chinese firms to abandon American chips altogether.—
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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These factors deepened the disaster’s impacts and elongated the recovery process.—
Manann Donoghoe,
Time,
28 Aug. 2025
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Moscow and Beijing have deepened their military ties in recent years by conducting joint exercises and patrols, with the most recent naval maneuvers held earlier this month in the Pacific.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Has anyone else got any hope, especially as Chelsea are strengthened by the return of Sam Kerr from injury, the signing of Ellie Carpenter from OL Lyonnes and Alyssa Thompson set to join too?—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
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Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Kiko, further west off Mexico's coast, strengthened to Hurricane Kiko in the Pacific.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Last month, West Virginia’s attorney general asked that the cases be consolidated and considered together by the same judge.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
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Smaller farmers were the norm, whereas today much of our agricultural industry has been consolidated to mega corporations that care first and foremost about churning out supply.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stepped up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20up. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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