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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Recent Examples of steps up
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
Samuel Boivin | Nurphoto | Getty Images Alibaba on Tuesday announced a new chip designed for agentic capabilities as the Chinese tech giant steps up its semiconductor efforts to fuel its AI push.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 24 Mar. 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
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
Samuel Boivin | Nurphoto | Getty Images Alibaba on Tuesday announced a new chip designed for agentic capabilities as the Chinese tech giant steps up its semiconductor efforts to fuel its AI push.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 24 Mar. 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
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This investment expands the production of the Bushmaster, supports jobs, boosts sovereign capacity and enhances Australian manufacturing capabilities, standing ready to efficiently meet international demand.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
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Pro hairstylist Ryan Richman previously described this Briogeo cream as a lightweight, silicone-free heat-protectant cream that minimizes frizz, smooths hair, enhances shine, and protects against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Local firm Studio Munge’s design is restrained but exacting, which heightens the impact of the details.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Mikhail Metzel | Via Reuters Russia has offered to help China with any potential energy shortfall, as the war in the Middle East heightens geopolitical divisions and threatens global commodity supplies.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Its residents will also be awaiting further attacks, as Ukraine intensifies its campaign to disrupt the Russian oil industry and deprive the Kremlin of crucial funding for its war machine.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
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Mexico arrests cartel leader amid widening gang crackdown Mexico’s military arrested a top cartel leader in a raid involving more than 500 troops, the country’s security minister announced on Monday, as President Claudia Sheinbaum intensifies her gang crackdown.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Compared to other regions in the country, Dubrovnik could be harder hit if the fuel crisis deepens because of its location at the southern tip of Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coastline.—
Darko Bandic,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
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Compared to other regions in the country, Dubrovnik could be harder hit if the fuel crisis deepens because of its location at the southern tip of Croatia's Adriatic Sea coastline.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Similarly, Texas requires a valid photo ID for filing deeds, and strengthens notary regulations by prohibiting notaries from sealing documents if the person signing is not physically present.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
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This move strengthens our wellness design leadership and reflects our focus on expanding capabilities, not just geography.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Steps up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steps%20up. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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