Synonyms of steps up

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enhances
• heightens
• intensifies
• deepens
• strengthens
• consolidates
• reinforces
• points (up)
• amps (up)
• beefs (up)
• boosts
• accentuates
• amplifies
• broadens
• sharpens
• emphasizes
• expands
• redoubles
• extends
• magnifies
• augments
• lengthens
• supplements
• accelerates
• enforces
• enlarges
• maximizes
• stresses
• hastens
• quickens
• restrengthens
• exacerbates
• enlivens
• aggravates
• jazzes (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tones (down)
• moderates
• decreases
• reduces
• diminishes
• tapers (off)
• lessens
• abates
• weakens
• subdues
• lets up (on)
• recedes
• wanes
• subsides
• eases
• alleviates
• lightens
• dwindles

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of steps up

Ramaphosa announced that soldiers would be deployed to support police in tackling gang violence, as the government steps up its fight against criminal syndicates. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

The star of ‘Ripley’ and ‘All of Us Strangers’ star steps up in a performance of emotional depth as Ian Charleson, the Scottish actor who took on Hamlet at the end of his life. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

For occasions like a proposal that require a little more pomp and circumstance, Cameron steps up his fragrance game with a Ralph Lauren cologne. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026

The shift comes as Beijing steps up scrutiny of wealth held outside mainland China. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

If Lofton lives up to his potential — and either freshman Gavin Mueller or Israel Briggs steps up as a secondary option — this group will outplay its grade. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

Hot Fuss simultaneously steps up on three other, similar rosters. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

The way her seven-piece band and two backup singers are positioned on a platform with just a couple of steps up or down recalls some of the pop-soul bandstands of yore. — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 July 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