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
With China stepping up military activity near the island, fears are rising that tensions could spiral into conflict, right on their doorstep.
—
Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Doak joined from Celtic as a 16-year-old and started well for the U18s before stepping up to the U21s and also impressing.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Across the country, states and local communities are stepping up, forming coalitions and launching plans to address their specific risks.
—Karen Cohn, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2025
Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Doak joined from Celtic as a 16-year-old and started well for the U18s before stepping up to the U21s and also impressing.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Across the country, states and local communities are stepping up, forming coalitions and launching plans to address their specific risks.
—Karen Cohn, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
Verb
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If fully earned, the award would materially increase Musk's voting power from his roughly 13% stake, intensifying debate over governance and succession.—
Akash Sriram,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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But Tesla also faces intensifying competition from the big Detroit automakers and particularly from China.—
Michelle Chapman,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Europe stands united in expression of deep concerns and must commit to the deployment of ever-deepening concerns moving forward.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
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Beijing has been steadily deepening its presence in Brazil through investments in critical areas such as energy, agriculture and food security, defense, advanced technology, automobile manufacturing, a joint satellite program, and strategic infrastructure such as ports.—
HUSSEIN KALOUT,
Foreign Affairs,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Other states, including California, Montana, Idaho and North Dakota, have similar laws enhancing sentences for repeat felony offenders.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
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In another section, male nudes celebrate the body with an ode to classic perfection, enhancing strength and symmetry through a refined use of light and composition.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Structural Problems Hold Companies Back From Compliance Regulators now expect real-time transparency, strong internal controls and proactive risk management—yet most organizations remain unprepared, heightening their exposure to enforcement actions.—
Nosa Omoigui,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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In theatrical Leo, the love planet brings passion and flair, heightening our desire for affection and adoration.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Efforts should also prioritize public education, reducing stigma, and strengthening support for families and schools caring for individuals with autism.—
Adaira Landry,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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The National Hurricane Center has reduced the system’s development odds to just a 20% chance of strengthening over the next two days and a 20% chance within the next seven days.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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