as in intensifying
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 stepping up
The gunman, who had the hood of his sweatshirt cinched over his face, was caught on video stepping up and shooting Herrera in the left side of the head at point-blank range.
—
Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
Ownership means people are stepping up to the challenge, taking full responsibility, and feeling empowered to act.
—Jane Sparrow, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Reese Hogan, of Christian institution Crean Lutheran High School, went viral for stepping up to the top spot on the podium after Hernandez stepped down from it in the exact same round in 2025.
—Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Atkinson, who was Providence’s only returning starter from last season, has been thrilled about Webb stepping up and being another senior leader on a young team.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Every kid grows up dreaming of playing on their hometown team in a big playoff game, stepping up in the most crucial of moments.
—Staff Report, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
The American public is dismayed and frustrated that Congress is not stepping up to protect our nation against the extreme tyranny of this administration.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The grueling reality of a playoff series without the high-scoring duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so far, has left the Lakers needing every extra inch, players up and down the roster stepping up in their absence.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
The 40-year-old initially joined as an assistant coach with the under-21s before stepping up to be their head coach after the departure of Filipe Coelho to join Rosenior’s Strasbourg staff last summer.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
Ownership means people are stepping up to the challenge, taking full responsibility, and feeling empowered to act.
—Jane Sparrow, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Reese Hogan, of Christian institution Crean Lutheran High School, went viral for stepping up to the top spot on the podium after Hernandez stepped down from it in the exact same round in 2025.
—Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Atkinson, who was Providence’s only returning starter from last season, has been thrilled about Webb stepping up and being another senior leader on a young team.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Every kid grows up dreaming of playing on their hometown team in a big playoff game, stepping up in the most crucial of moments.
—Staff Report, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
The American public is dismayed and frustrated that Congress is not stepping up to protect our nation against the extreme tyranny of this administration.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The grueling reality of a playoff series without the high-scoring duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so far, has left the Lakers needing every extra inch, players up and down the roster stepping up in their absence.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
The 40-year-old initially joined as an assistant coach with the under-21s before stepping up to be their head coach after the departure of Filipe Coelho to join Rosenior’s Strasbourg staff last summer.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
Verb
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The outrage has reverberated across the country ahead of Wednesday's annual Ni Una Menos protest in downtown Buenos Aires, amplifying demands for government action and intensifying criticism of President Javier Milei.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
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The outrage has reverberated across the country ahead of Wednesday’s annual Ni Una Menos protest in downtown Buenos Aires, amplifying demands for government action and intensifying criticism of President Javier Milei.—
Isabel Debre,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
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That’s despite growing appeal as the oldest baby boomers are turning 80 this year and the United States faces a deepening shortage of home care aides, driven by low wages, high turnover and demanding workloads.—
Matt O’Brien,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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Housing costs have soared, deepening affordability worries and homelessness.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Miraval has long encouraged guests to limit or even forego their use of digital devices as a way of enhancing awareness of one’s surroundings and allowing moments for self-reflection and personal growth.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
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Everything from enhancing local security, monitoring global threats and infectious disease data, and training with assistive technology to better accommodate fans.—
Juli McDonald,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Verb
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At the same time, the sun in Gemini will meet with Jupiter, heightening feelings of optimism, curiosity and the desire to grow beyond what’s familiar.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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At least three attacks have been recorded against health centers in Ituri province as residents protested stringent medical protocols that clashed with local burial rites, heightening the danger health workers face.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Verb
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This unique capability supports readiness while strengthening the industrial base and bringing certainty to modernization.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
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Bell unspooled an agenda centered on improving graduation rates and job placement, strengthening athletics, enhancing Greek life and the broader student experience, recruiting top faculty and expanding UF’s academic medical enterprise.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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