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
Atlanta police and law enforcement in the surrounding counties are stepping up their actions against teen takeovers ahead of reports of another event this weekend.
—
Irene Wright, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Make an attempt at stepping up your game!
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
While on the podcast, Arkapaw reflected on how over the last five years, Coogler never questioned Arkapaw stepping up to shoot a blockbuster film, nor having shot on large format 70mm and IMAX film.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2026
Now as Rethage takes a step away from the diner, her family is stepping up and so are her neighbors, giving back through a donation jar, GoFundMe page and even a fundraiser at the bar Scarpaci's next week.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The world’s two most populous countries are stepping up regulation of delivery platforms in a bid to curb damaging competitive practices.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Now, the president is stepping up immigration enforcement.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Bennett has shown the knack for stepping up on the biggest stages.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
Jose goes above and beyond to support others, whether by mentoring younger students, volunteering in school activities, or stepping up to help classmates in need.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Irene Wright, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Make an attempt at stepping up your game!
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
While on the podcast, Arkapaw reflected on how over the last five years, Coogler never questioned Arkapaw stepping up to shoot a blockbuster film, nor having shot on large format 70mm and IMAX film.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2026
Now as Rethage takes a step away from the diner, her family is stepping up and so are her neighbors, giving back through a donation jar, GoFundMe page and even a fundraiser at the bar Scarpaci's next week.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The world’s two most populous countries are stepping up regulation of delivery platforms in a bid to curb damaging competitive practices.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Now, the president is stepping up immigration enforcement.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Bennett has shown the knack for stepping up on the biggest stages.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
Jose goes above and beyond to support others, whether by mentoring younger students, volunteering in school activities, or stepping up to help classmates in need.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
Verb
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Comparisons to the build-up to the 2008 Global Financial Crisis are now intensifying as concerns over underlying loan quality grow.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
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Climate change is intensifying Hawaii’s Kona low storms, leaving forecasters scrambling as their models struggle to predict moisture retention in these systems.—
Audrey McAvoy,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The slowdown in headline inflation was largely driven by deepening energy deflation, following the resumption of generous electricity and gas subsidies, Surya said.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
23 Mar. 2026
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Then, the darker shades took over with dark purple mid-lengths spliced with platinum highlights, deepening into a cranberry-magenta fusion at the ends.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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According to the county, the goals and objectives of the Ag Reserve include preserving agriculture, enhancing environmental resource value and open space, creating a functional, sustainable development pattern and minimizing costs to taxpayers.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
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Applications will load faster and files will be easier to move, enhancing your workspeed.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Warm overnight lows in the 60s and 70s prevent body cooling, heightening risks for heat exhaustion and heatstroke among seniors, homeless individuals and those with chronic conditions.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
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Lower has the yeoman’s task of heightening the narrative’s frenetic unease.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The airline says the new and expanded routes reflect rising demand for Florida travel, particularly between the West Coast and Palm Beach, and reinforce its long-term commitment to strengthening connectivity in high-growth markets.—
Skyler Shepard,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
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At the invitation-only Fortune COO Summit, taking place June 1–2 in Arizona, COOs from the nation’s largest companies will come together to examine how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping operating models, strengthening resilience, and enabling faster and smarter decision-making.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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