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 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 The fresh exchanges threaten to heighten a shipping war in and beyond the Persian Gulf, as Iran seeks to prevent shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz without its consent and the US steps up targeting of Iranian shipping. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steps up

Verb

Establishing and nurturing a robust professional relationship map—comprising sponsors, mentors, allies and followers—enhances professional impact and reputation, both critical to accessing new opportunities.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Packed with potent ingredients like isopropyl cloprostenate, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this formula nurtures and enhances your brows from the root.

— Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhances

Verb

Cinematographer Kim Ji-yong’s camera never intrudes, lending grace and honesty to the character studies, while Jung Jae-il’s ravishing piano and string score heightens the emotions without becoming manipulative.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
With a hot war raging in Ukraine, these journalists don’t want to ask for anyone’s sympathy, which in turn heightens their alienation and frustration.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of heightens

Verb

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pressed the delegation and European advisors for Patriot air defenses, a winter support package and long-term security guarantees as Russia intensifies drone strikes across Ukrainian cities.

— Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
The Grand Canyon’s vast, mile-deep landscape may appear timeless, but two devastating disasters have recently struck the iconic natural wonder as the climate crisis intensifies extreme weather.

— Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of intensifies

Verb

The measure targets Central Valley and Central Coast lands facing strict groundwater pumping limits, offering a lifeline for growers as climate change deepens droughts.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
This is the rare prequel that deepens and complicates the world of the original — and the rare lower-budget sequel that manages to look and sound great years later.

— Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of deepens

Verb

Every solution is designed to augment human expertise rather than replace it, ensuring AI strengthens decision-making while maintaining accountability, transparency, and trust.

— Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
The investment also strengthens Winnipeg’s position in a specialized part of the aerospace supply chain.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of steps up

verb

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