stepping up

present participle of step up

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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
Verb
  • The move comes amid intensifying geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing, with artificial intelligence emerging as a key battleground in the two countries' race for technological dominance.
    — Jenny Lee,Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers found Stage 3 CTE, intensifying concerns about brain trauma in racing.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • There are indications that some of the Central Asian nations present, all of which are post-Soviet states, are deepening diplomatic and economic links with Washington.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party took power following the popular ouster in 2024 of autocratic former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whom India granted sanctuary, deepening the rift between the neighbors.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The finishing touch should be a shine-enhancing hair gloss to blend the blonde tones seamlessly into the brunette strands.
    — Jacqueline Kilikita, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The initiative was part of the retailer’s aim to support new talents and its increasing focus on enhancing its brand awareness globally.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The incidents are heightening concerns about female politicians’ safety and security in a country where lawmakers are highly accessible to the public.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • New shipping routes are opening, China is doing more trade through the Arctic region, and a Russian military buildup is also heightening security concerns.
    — Lorne Cook, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Bills are also coming off a Monday night overtime game, strengthening the home underdog’s case.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Florida is living proof that protecting the preborn and strengthening families is both possible and popular.
    — Kimberly Bird, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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