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

Already, countries are stepping up inspections for test-takers. — John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Sunway has been stepping up investments in Singapore in recent years. — Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Officers are stepping up patrols in the area during the nighttime hours, police said. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 13 June 2026

Some suggested military escorts for fuel trucks while others urged stepping up strikes on Ukrainian bridges, fuel storage sites and other infrastructure. — ABC News, 11 June 2026

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

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