STEPPING UP Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up

Verb

Now, an intensifying war has again closed off significant access to Persian Gulf oil, reinjecting chaos into the market.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Johnson later identified Scholten by name in subsequent posts, intensifying the controversy.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 21 July 2026

Definition of intensifying

Verb

The corruption allegations and deepening political crisis in Puerto Rico have caught the attention of some federal legislators, who questioned whether federal funds are being appropriately used.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Instead of closing the door on his dream, Nolan pivoted to studying English literature at University College London, a decision he has since been credited with strengthening his screenwriting and deepening his understanding of language and metaphor.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 July 2026

Definition of deepening

Verb

To build trust and integrate with international markets, Central Asian governments and banks are proactively enhancing compliance standards, often exceeding local regulations, to ensure transparent and secure financial transactions.

— Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Sarandos said many of the shows have used AI tools for pre-vis, VFX, set references, and post-production, but also in the case of things like enhancing crowd shots or historical battle scenes.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 July 2026

Definition of enhancing

Verb

Cyclosporiasis cases are on the rise across the nation, heightening people’s concerns over how to safely eat fresh produce, one of the primary sources of the parasitic illness.

— Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
The stars are shining brightly on you, heightening your popularity and exuberance.

— Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Definition of heightening

Verb

Wisconsin has committed up to $55 million in incentives to help Realta Fusion build its new headquarters and fusion research facility in Madison, a move aimed at strengthening the state’s position in the emerging fusion energy industry.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
Ending our nation’s longest war in Afghanistan, strengthening NATO and supporting Ukraine.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 July 2026

Definition of strengthening

Browse Nearby Words

stepping out

stepping up

steps

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“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepping up

verb

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