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

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

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