Synonyms of stepping up

stepping up

verb

present participle of step up

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intensifying
• deepening
• enhancing
• heightening
• strengthening
• consolidating
• beefing (up)
• amping (up)
• reinforcing
• pointing (up)
• boosting
• sharpening
• amplifying
• broadening
• expanding
• accentuating
• magnifying
• redoubling
• extending
• emphasizing
• enforcing
• lengthening
• augmenting
• accelerating
• maximizing
• supplementing
• jazzing (up)
• enlarging
• quickening
• stressing
• hastening
• exacerbating
• restrengthening
• aggravating
• enlivening

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reducing
• tapering (off)
• moderating
• decreasing
• diminishing
• abating
• weakening
• lessening
• toning (down)
• letting up (on)
• subduing
• waning
• dwindling
• receding
• subsiding
• alleviating
• lightening
• easing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stepping up

Miami never seriously threatened to close the gap down the stretch, with Reaves stepping up while Doncic rested to start the fourth quarter. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

As of late, plenty of airlines are stepping up their game by offering even more exclusive tiers aboard their planes—and that comes with some new menus, too. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026

Under Armour is stepping up its support of student-athletes, this time centering on mental health. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

House Speaker Mike Johnson traveled to Stockton on Wednesday to campaign for Republican Kevin Lincoln, stepping up GOP efforts to reclaim California's 13th Congressional District less than two weeks before the 2026 midterm election. — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Part of Comcast’s growth initiatives involve stepping up its push into wireless services and business services. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

Back at full-strength after injuries her first couple years in Atlanta … and really stepping up in the playoffs. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026

This goes counter to Disney’s official stance, which is a flat denial that Covid had anything to do with one Bob stepping down and another stepping up. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

That means the Horned Frogs’ younger receivers will be tasked with stepping up against an experienced secondary that has picked off quarterbacks four times this season. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026