STEPPED-UP Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

stepped up

verb

Definition of stepped up

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

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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 Kyiv has claimed that Wildberries handles supplies for the Russian military, and has stepped up its targeting of other critical parts of the Russian economy. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026 The Eagles defense stepped up in the second half, stopping Armwood on three possessions. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 Szoboszlai is the firm favourite to be confirmed as Van Dijk’s deputy and, in the absence of their Dutch talisman, the former RB Leipzig midfielder has stepped up impressively during the tour of the United States. — James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 One swing can change that and our guys have really stepped up. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 In recent years, Indonesia has stepped up its efforts to recover cultural artifacts that were collected, stolen and trafficked during its colonial-era. — News Desk, Artforum, 24 July 2026 Energetic Pursuit On a frigid, sunny morning in December 2025, Picard stepped up to a podium wearing a sweater embroidered with a squiggly cartoon of a mitochondrion. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026 Russia has stepped up attacks ‌on the capital in recent weeks. — Reuters, NBC news, 11 July 2026 Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian fuel tankers in the Sea of Azov, seeking to disrupt supplies to occupied Crimea at a time when drone strikes have triggered nationwide gasoline shortages. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped up

Verb

In 2025, after a joint appearance with Prince William at London’s COP30 climate summit, that concern intensified.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 Aug. 2026
As the Taliban have intensified their repression, women have found new ways to continue nonviolent resistance.

— Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensified

Verb

At West Ham, Fernandes enhanced his reputation as a player who can not only drive his team forward but also play a key role out of possession, defending on the front foot.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Vuong’s photographs are displayed rather conventionally on the gallery walls, but the viewing experience is enhanced by images of his that have been printed on cloth banners that hang in the center of the space.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhanced

Verb

Deadly attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman heightened concerns over risks to global shipping routes and sent global oil prices higher to around $90 per barrel on Wednesday.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
The risks are heightened for women of color, according to the most recent maternal mortality data from the March of Dimes and the CDC.

— Kristin Wright, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of heightened

Verb

China, which appointed an ambassador to the Taliban government in December 2023, has deepened its economic ties, with Chinese companies becoming major players in Afghan oil, copper and lithium extraction.

— Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Students and families said the shift has been especially severe in parts of the south, including Helmand and Kandahar, where families already placed a stronger emphasis on religious studies and Taliban rule has deepened that pressure.

— Fatima Faizi, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepened

Verb

Nashville strengthened its push for the Supporters’ Shield and extended its lead to 5 points over Inter Miami on a night Lionel Messi again failed to convert a penalty.

— Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
California in 2015 enacted a law that strengthened vaccine requirements for schoolchildren.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of strengthened

Browse Nearby Words

stepped out

stepped up

steppes

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

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Synonyms of stepped up

verb

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