as in enhances
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 steps up
OpenAI chief Sam Altman will be attending the G7 conference in France later this month, CNBC has learned, as President Emmanuel Macron steps up efforts to court tech leaders across the globe in support of the country’s AI ambitions.
—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Sydney is initially shocked and angry, but ultimately steps up to lead the restaurant, proposing to include Richie as a partner alongside her and Carmy's sister, Natalie (Abby Elliott).
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
How many more people must die before someone steps up to the plate and puts a stop to it?
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Frank and Leaf planted a tree out front and treated the old ground-floor space, just a few steps up, as a studio.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2026
If a mostly inexperienced pitching staff steps up, the Trojans will be extremely dangerous by the time the playoffs roll around.
—Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Make this chowder ahead of time by completing the first two steps up to three days in advance.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
The question is, which Democrat steps up next?
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Sometimes the surprise player steps up.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Sydney is initially shocked and angry, but ultimately steps up to lead the restaurant, proposing to include Richie as a partner alongside her and Carmy's sister, Natalie (Abby Elliott).
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
How many more people must die before someone steps up to the plate and puts a stop to it?
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
Frank and Leaf planted a tree out front and treated the old ground-floor space, just a few steps up, as a studio.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2026
If a mostly inexperienced pitching staff steps up, the Trojans will be extremely dangerous by the time the playoffs roll around.
—Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Make this chowder ahead of time by completing the first two steps up to three days in advance.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
The question is, which Democrat steps up next?
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Sometimes the surprise player steps up.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steps up
Verb
-
But those thread-like mushroom filaments also bind soils together, which enhances soil structure, drainage, and moisture retention.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
16 June 2026
-
Grilling the watermelon enhances its natural sweetness and adds a touch of smoky flavor.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Together, this conjunction not only heightens our desire for closeness and emotional reassurance but also brings a deep sense of generosity.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
-
At the same time, a lot of the region’s industrial infrastructure is aging, which also heightens the risk of leaks, cracks or failure.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Roasting peaches intensifies their flavor, and in this old-school recipe, they're mashed and mixed into a rich custard before churning into a creamy, fruit-forward ice cream.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
-
Still, as the day unfolds, the sun's alignment to Pluto intensifies deeper fears around control, recognition and power.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
This partnership with Banijay Kids & Family deepens that commitment.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
16 June 2026
-
Just to the west, sunset occurs as the partial eclipse deepens.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Promoting talent internally strengthens employee retention, reduces recruitment costs and enhances company culture.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
The Kérastase Chronologiste Revitalizing Youth Shampoo removes buildup, cleanses the scalp, softens and strengthens strands (meaning less breakage), increases moisture starting at the root, improves follicle health (meaning less shedding), and imparts shine.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Steps up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steps%20up. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
