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

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

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