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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of step up
Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2025
Mainland investors are stepping up their purchases of Hong Kong listings in the new year.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Deborah Vankin, Boston Herald, 21 Nov. 2024
During the video, Crewe shows the following exercises: Romanian deadlifts, Bulgarian split squats and other variations, leg presses, hip thrusts, step-ups using a box, and glute kickbacks.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step up 
Verb
Phillips, who is no stranger to online abuse, has had to step up her security arrangements since being targeted by Musk’s tweets.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2025
Mainland investors are stepping up their purchases of Hong Kong listings in the new year.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
Do light step-ups a few inches high, mimicking climbing a set of stairs and that also helps with balance control and coordination.
—Deborah Vankin, Boston Herald, 21 Nov. 2024
During the video, Crewe shows the following exercises: Romanian deadlifts, Bulgarian split squats and other variations, leg presses, hip thrusts, step-ups using a box, and glute kickbacks.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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Speculation about his future in politics has intensified as the 18-year-old begins to take on more visible roles, both during his father's campaign and at official events.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
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Picardo spoke of efforts to give Holt a sharper, warmer and more welcoming personality, by expanding the mix and intensifying the use of Holt’s signature magenta color, conveying the 187-year-old retailer as modern and distinctly Canadian.—
David Moin,
WWD,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, reported a 33% increase in volume for its crisis line on Inauguration Day compared to the weeks leading up to Trump being sworn in as President.—
Solcyré Burga,
TIME,
27 Jan. 2025
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But when capital projects are factored in, the overall spending plan calls for a 21.7% increase.—
Baltimore Sun,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Beckham has been a brand ambassador for Tudor since 2017 and has been seen wearing a wide range of Tudor models in various settings, using his style and status to enhance Tudor’s image and reach.—
Sophie Furley,
Robb Report,
18 Jan. 2025
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More online social features built into the game or system would greatly enhance the experience.—
Jordan Minor,
PCMAG,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Jovic provided a big boost off the bench, with 17 points (including three for four on three-pointers), to go along with six rebounds and four assists.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
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Following a hot start to the season, Atlanta has fallen back down to earth and is in need of a boost.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The isolation is deepened, some federal employees said, by the fact that most of their fellow Americans see the federal government as bloated and inefficient.—
Erica L. Green,
New York Times,
25 Jan. 2025
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These narratives — with their complementary arcs — also deepen our investment as viewers.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Shares of Planet rose as much as 14% in trading Wednesday before giving up early gains to trade little changed from its previous close of $5.46 a share.—
Michael Sheetz,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2025
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The company completed the sale of its Maryland properties, resulting in a net loss of $356,000 for fiscal 2024, compared to a gain of $68,771,000 in fiscal 2022.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This misalignment heightens the risks of cardiovascular events and accidents, confirming the profound impact of light on our well-being.—
Maria Sokolina,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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Security was heightened at the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, after a mob of angry Yoon supporters went on a rampage through the district court that issued a warrant to extend his detention early on Sunday.—
Reuters,
CNN,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In addition, the strip of winter storm and blizzard warnings stretching from South Texas to Jacksonville, Fla. is something rarely seen, as a low pressure area traverses the central Gulf of Mexico, directing abundant moisture northward, into the frigid air mass.—
Andrew Freedman,
Axios,
22 Jan. 2025
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In addition, Arden Myrin (The Threesome, Quarter) will play Jana Milsap, Corey’s wife.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
21 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near step up
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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