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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stepping up
Richardson missed the Colts’ 31-27 victory over the Cardinals, with third-string quarterback Riley Leonard stepping up to the back-up position in his absence.
—
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
Lauren goes out of her way to support others, whether planning events, encouraging her peers or stepping up to help when needed.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 13 Oct. 2025
At the time, Saunders praised Kelce for stepping up during the big moment.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Thanks to agents stepping up, the truth is coming out.
—Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Kurt's key takeaways Apple Watch is stepping up in a big way.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 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
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
Lauren goes out of her way to support others, whether planning events, encouraging her peers or stepping up to help when needed.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 13 Oct. 2025
At the time, Saunders praised Kelce for stepping up during the big moment.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Thanks to agents stepping up, the truth is coming out.
—Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Kurt's key takeaways Apple Watch is stepping up in a big way.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 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
-
The Kirk effect appears to be intensifying amid a broader crackdown on people popping off online.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Padrino also accused Washington of sharply intensifying aerial surveillance of Venezuela, citing a surge in spy flights last month.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The protests also highlight deepening tensions between Portland officials and the federal government over immigration enforcement and the presence of federal forces in American cities.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Israel remains fully and unequivocally committed to the Abraham Accords, to expanding the circle of peace, deepening our partnerships, and ensuring that the promise of stability, prosperity, and coexistence becomes the enduring legacy of our generation.—
Yossi Shelley,
semafor.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But beyond 60 mg/L, uptake surged sharply, suggesting multilayer adsorption, where molecules stack on top of each other, enhancing the total adsorption.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Competitive runners emphasized the value of performance-enhancing features—such as carbon plates—but stressed that these should not come at the expense of comfort.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Although regulation is heightening visibility needs, roughly a quarter (23 percent) of executives said regulatory uncertainty is holding them back.—
Sarah Jones,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Both sides are signaling little willingness to compromise, heightening the risk of military miscalculation.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Tuesday was filled with intensive coaching and mentorship sessions with Walmart and Sam's Club merchants, sourcing experts and past Open Call alumni about scaling up production, improving packaging, and strengthening their financial and operational readiness.—
Serenah McKay,
Arkansas Online,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Aside from strengthening the body and improving posture, practicing downward dog also activates blood circulation and may improve digestion.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share