STEPPING UP Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Recent Examples of stepping up The series — which serves as the final category for young drivers before stepping up to F1 and is owned by the F1 organization and sanctioned by the FIA — last introduced a new car in 2024. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Post Malone had some help with his proposal to stylist Christy Lee, with Angel City Jewelers stepping up to the plate to craft the perfect luxury engagement ring for the singer-rapper’s bride-to-be. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 At a moment when Washington is retreating from its responsibilities, New York is stepping up for vulnerable immigrant children. — Meena Shah, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026 Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria have been stepping up efforts to localize manufacturing of equipment for solar power, from module assembly to more advanced manufacturing, according to industry experts. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 As parts of Puerto Rico face a record-breaking drought and no running water, a South Florida company is stepping up to offer help by sending machines capable of turning air into water. — Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026 Second-year edge rusher Collin Oliver showed promise with strong plays, stepping up in Micah Parsons' absence. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Cities across the Southwest are stepping up conservation efforts amid the growing crisis facing a key Colorado River reservoir straddling the Utah-Arizona border. — Swasti Singhai, USA Today, 26 July 2026 Already, countries are stepping up inspections for test-takers. — John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up

Verb

The intensifying trade war between the two neighbors is unfolding just two months before the US midterm elections, putting Republicans in competitive races in the position of explaining their views on tariffs imposed by the president.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Post-9/11 security and immigration policies reshaped everyday life, intensifying surveillance and suspicion for Muslim, Middle Eastern and Sikh Americans while embedding agencies like TSA, ICE and Homeland Security into the national landscape.

— Deepti Hajela, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of intensifying

Verb

Chanel is deepening its artistic relationships overseas through its Chanel Culture Fund.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026
The Motion Picture Association signed two declarations at the Lumière Summit, aimed at deepening international collaboration and investment in audiovisual sector, protecting intellectual property and strengthening the creative economy.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of deepening

Verb

Increasing India’s alternative energy production has been one of the key achievements of the Modi government, but its role in enhancing India’s energy security is limited.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
The reason for that is because flushing fluids into the system this way can mask the detection of performance-enhancing substances.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of enhancing

Verb

Last year’s record-shattering monsoon season is heightening the urgency to invest in climate resilience.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Interest rates on government bonds are rising again around the world, making borrowing more expensive for consumers and businesses and heightening concerns about whether governments are issuing more debt than financial markets can handle.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of heightening

Verb

And that strengthening the police state or asking for additional surveillance might not be the right answer.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
The changes are intended to make the reactor easier to build and operate while strengthening its ability to respond to abnormal conditions.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of strengthening

Browse Nearby Words

stepping out

stepping up

steps

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“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepping up

verb

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