step up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of step upnext
as in to intensify
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

step-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌəp How to pronounce step-up (audio)
as in increase
something added (as by growth) there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 step up
Verb
With the Trump administration's antipathy toward climate science, universities are stepping up to ensure the U.S. still has scientific representation at the IPCC. — Andrew Freedman, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025 By the time the second Trump administration inherited the crisis, H5N1 had already killed an American—but still, the nation’s new leaders didn’t meaningfully step up the response. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
The company's gross margin percentage decreased primarily due to the impact of amortization of inventory step-up. — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025 The assets in the marital trust will receive a second basis step-up on the wife’s later death, but will then be subject to estate tax. Death in 2026 with No Change in Current Law. — Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
  1. intensify
  2. increase
  3. enhance
  4. boost
  5. deepen
  6. gain
  7. heighten
  8. addition
Verb
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • But even as China’s drills have intensified, and its missiles, warships and fighter jets have advanced, many experts have doubted that the Chinese military could cross the Taiwan Strait with the speed and numbers needed for a successful invasion.
    — Chris Buckley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of intensify
Noun
  • An increase in citations from the Sheriff’s Office began about five months prior to the city’s, in March 2023.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • But the White House and Republican lawmakers have said that the tax cuts will be renewed and potentially expanded, as well as suggesting reductions in government spending and an increase in revenues by taxing imports.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of increase
Verb
  • Another company, Thyssenkrupp, then processed the recycled titanium to enhance its machining and deformation characteristics.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of content production, AI has emerged as a powerful tool that can enhance creativity and get deliverables out quickly.
    — Nancy Pulciano, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of enhance
Noun
  • The car bears more than just a striking resemblance to the standard 5000 CS Quattro, too; aside from a racing harness, a turbo boost knob, and a couple of extra gauges here and there, the interior looks stock.
    — Christian Gilbertsen, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2025
  • While To Control Space - Live 1969 is the newest addition to Pink Floyd’s charting catalog, one of its oldest releases – and easily its most successful – is also enjoying a boost this week.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of boost
Verb
  • This gentrification could deepen existing economic divides, fueling new social tensions regarding immigration.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • This government is deepening the hell that both peoples in this region are living in.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of deepen
Noun
  • If the stock rises to $150 by the time restrictions lapse and the individual sells at $200, the $100 gain ($200 - $100) is capital gain.
    — Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.D., Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Other key luxury markets, including New York and Dubai, also posted strong gains.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of gain
Verb
  • The new financial stresses have heightened market uncertainty over the value of Florida condos, especially those older than 30 years that have to meet the new state standards.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Source: Nielsen Nielsen also pointed out the effect Netflix has had in heightening interest in programs still airing on other platforms.
    — Brad Adgate, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of heighten
Noun
  • Lulu’s Keep Things Classy Floral Button-Up Shirt In addition to Miller, Kelly Clarkson is another famous face who has reached for a blouse lately.
    — Nicol Natale, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to lots of water, professional voice actors will also deploy various tongue twisters, vocal scales, and other exercises to wake up the vocal muscles and brain.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of addition

Browse Nearby Words

step-up
step up
step-ups
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Cite this Entry

“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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