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

Xi said that the Gulf should not become an arena for great-power rivalry, even as Beijing steps up its Iran war diplomacy, with the world’s second-largest economy vulnerable to high energy and shipping prices. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

This year, Macy’s stages its 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade, and also steps up its Mission Every One charitable initiative supporting Ronald McDonald House, Blue Star Families and Foster Love. — David Moin, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

If no one steps up, the loudest voices fill the gap, allowing fear to become the organizing principle. — Bob Pearson, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

This comes as the sovereign wealth fund, launched by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in 2025, steps up as a stabilizer for the country’s stock market, currently under scrutiny from global index providers like MSCI. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Dyson is famous for its sleek and powerful devices, and the V8 steps up to the cleaning plate to keep proving its reputation right. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

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