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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Infield surfaces have a top dressing that enhances playability and drainage.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
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Laura Geller Champagne Spackle Skin-Perfecting Primer The Laura Geller Spackle Primer is a lightweight, skin-plumping makeup base that enhances and prolongs foundation wear.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
22 May 2026
Verb
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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
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Thus, as the business case bar for acceptable returns rises to reflect these realities as well as economic uncertainty, capital discipline heightens.—
Jim DeLoach,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Martinez de Castro says South Florida’s limited supply of luxury waterfront real estate only intensifies the demand.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
19 May 2026
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Ocean spot freight rates increased by double digits this week as ocean carriers tack on more emergency fuel surcharges and begin setting up peak season surcharges, even as China intensifies regulatory scrutiny over carriers’ freight rate transparency and filing practices.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Sharing stories As the conversation deepens, the goal is to move past talking points into storytelling.—
Lisa Pavia-Higel,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
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OpenAI deepens Amazon ties watch now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Aerobic activity strengthens the heart and conditions the arteries, and even short post-meal walks measurably improve blood flow.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
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Aerobic activity strengthens the heart and arteries, and even a short post-meal walk improves circulation measurably.—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Steps up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steps%20up. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
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