STEPS UP Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

steps up

verb

present tense third-person singular of step up

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

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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 steps up The lethality of the Russian assaults on Kyiv in the last week displays the challenge Ukraine faces in protecting its capital as Russia innovates and steps up its attacks. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steps up

Verb

While technology enhances efficiency, only 8% of firms fully automate workflows.

— Angelica Krystle Donati, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
That’s especially important for farmers because nitrogen fertilizers serve as a key nutrient for crops that accelerates growth and enhances yields during harvest, Sumner added.

— Chase Hunter, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026

Definition of enhances

Verb

So, while the Dodgers crawled out of the hole with a season-high 17 hits, the steep cost heightens the pressure on the rest of the rotation the rest of the series.

— Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Adult males go through musth, a periodic condition that heightens their aggression.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of heightens

Verb

Indeed, the administration’s assault on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act intensifies the damage.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
If employees are expected to produce the same output in less time without better systems in place, the pressure simply intensifies.

— Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of intensifies

Verb

This offers free creative variations for small businesses but deepens brands' reliance on Meta's ecosystem, making the advertising 'frame' more costly despite free images.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
The aluminum venture also deepens the relationship between IHC — chaired by Abu Dhabi’s deputy ruler Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed — and billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate, following IHC’s $2 billion investment in Adani companies in 2022.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of deepens

Verb

Denmark will buy two Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, giving its military a dedicated anti-submarine capability as NATO strengthens its focus on securing the Arctic and North Atlantic against growing undersea threats.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
But his latest novel, in its shortcomings, only strengthens the case that noir will stagnate if it isn’t perpetually refreshed by new generations.

— Carolyn Kellogg, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Definition of strengthens

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steps out

steps up

step up

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“Steps up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steps%20up. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of steps up

verb

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