stepped up

verb

Definition of stepped upnext
past tense of step up
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

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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 When Bruno Fernandes stepped up to the penalty spot on Sunday afternoon, all eyes were at first on him. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The Marlins had reclaimed lead when Jensen stepped up in the fifth, again with Isbel on base with another hit. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026 Hedrick was pleased with the way his defense stepped up and kept Palos Verdes out of the end zone in the second half. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Another man stepped up with the sheriff to try and quell concerns. — Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 Fulton’s defense stepped up with Derra Reth getting the game’s first interception. — Felipe Gamino, Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026 Both sides have stepped up their air campaigns as the front lines remain largely static, locked in a slow-moving, deadly stalemate. — Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 That came after countries including France and Germany stepped up efforts to attract students disillusioned with the prospect of a US education. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 One swing can change that and our guys have really stepped up. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped up
  1. intensified
  2. enhanced
  3. heightened
  4. deepened
  5. strengthened
  6. consolidated
Verb
  • With peace efforts stalled, Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv and other cities with relentless bombardments recently stretching into daylight hours, taking advantage of Ukraine’s shortage of air defensive systems.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Zelenskyy links Russian strikes to envoys’ visit The air war between Russia and Ukraine has intensified as troops have struggled to make progress along the 1,250-kilometer (775-mile) front line.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensified
Verb
  • The format translates to an energized intimacy, enhanced by months of workshopping the story together with the one professional actor, Reem Amer, seamlessly inserted in the family bosom.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The new red zone will see local police presence enhanced around the clock alongside a military presence.
    — Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of enhanced
Verb
  • Travel warnings have been heightened for Americans traveling in the Middle East.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Slowing the playback speed deepens the pitch, an alien, ominous effect heightened by amplification.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of heightened
Verb
  • Now with his advancing nuclear program and deepened ties with Russia and China, experts say Kim has greater leverage than before.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The family says the school’s response after the match deepened its concerns.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of deepened
Verb
  • But also for the bond that strengthened between coach and quarterback.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Daily cheers for health care professionals and essential workers honored the people who sustained the city and strengthened the bonds between residents.
    — Robert W. Snyder, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of strengthened
Verb
  • Ahlem continues to manufacture through specialist workshops in France at a time when much of the eyewear industry has consolidated production elsewhere.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Lasai has consolidated as a top-notch destination in the Marvelous City.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of consolidated

Browse Nearby Words

stepped out
stepped up
steppes
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Cite this Entry

“Stepped up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20up. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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