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
Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Isa Briones is stepping up her campaign against poor theater etiquette.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
The foyer has a step-up entry from the front door, which feels elegant, and the living room is spacious with lovely touches in every direction — notice the built-ins with the arches that bookend the fireplace.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Some other airlines stepped up to help Spirit passengers whose flights were canceled.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Isa Briones is stepping up her campaign against poor theater etiquette.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Noun
The Peloton Cross Training Tread measures 65 by 33 by 68 inches (HWD), has a step-up height of 8 inches, and weighs 286 pounds.
—Craig Rawlins-Wilson, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
The foyer has a step-up entry from the front door, which feels elegant, and the living room is spacious with lovely touches in every direction — notice the built-ins with the arches that bookend the fireplace.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
The shooting has also intensified calls by conservatives to fully fund DHS through a single bill — blaming Democrats for the shutdown and arguing that splitting apart ICE and Border Patrol funding will only give the minority party leverage.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
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Instead, the slight thaw suggests a more modest agenda that the countries should now pursue, one that acknowledges that tensions between them over fundamental issues — trade, technology, global status — are more likely to intensify than abate.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As a result, the mid-nineteenth century witnessed a dramatic increase in the creation of posts, including among tribes that had not typically made them before.—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
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The longer the increases persist, the greater the risk that higher gas prices will translate into higher costs for other goods that rely on fuel for transportation.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
2 May 2026
Verb
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The new thermal insulation material improves upon aerogel by enhancing its mechanical properties while maintaining moisture permeability and quick-drying performance.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Saudi Aramco’s new supercomputer, meant to accelerate the search for new oil and gas deposits and enhance output from existing fields, costs $373 million.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Lumentum , up a staggering 158% this year, could also get a post-earnings boost.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
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Even more favorable financing terms with suppliers, or not having to pay to license foreign intellectual property, gives them a real boost, according to analysts.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Renewable energy The global oil crisis has only deepened the desire by many countries to transition to clean energy, which could be a boon for the sector.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
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Compared to other regions in the country, Dubrovnik could be harder hit if the fuel crisis deepens because of its location at the southern tip of Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coastline.—
Darko Bandic,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Noun
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Running back Anthony Woods was a standout on the white team, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a six-yard run and going for multiple big gains early.—
Sean Campbell,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
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With that gain, the Dow Industrials component is up more than 55% in 2026 — on track for its eighth straight winning year.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
Verb
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When used correctly, that power can be harnessed for good, heightening the citrus fruit’s bright, piercing notes to soaring new heights.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
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Playoffs are heightened, and everything’s emotional to begin with.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
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In addition to racking up points with your favorite hotel brands or airlines, Orbitz offers exclusive members-only prices that save you money on current and future reservations.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
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In addition, the complex would have 79 one-family homes for sale.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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