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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of step up
Carl Hulse, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
The country stepped up rate cuts and other support in late September, following the U.S. Fed’s shift toward easier monetary policy.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 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
At the same time, influential allies of Mr. Trump, including Elon Musk, have stepped up a pressure campaign directed at Republicans.
—Carl Hulse, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
The country stepped up rate cuts and other support in late September, following the U.S. Fed’s shift toward easier monetary policy.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 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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The Big Ten-SEC rivalry is about to intensify as the external factors dictating both conferences’ strategies change, and the Big Ten perhaps is in a better position to succeed than at any time in the last 50 years.Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
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Banks are on a winning streak, one that’s poised to intensify as President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office.Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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That policy had already shifted, but an analysis found the county should go even further to discourage any increases in density in those areas, given how many structures are already at risk.Lauren Sommer, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
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Given that companies are already big players in economic empowerment globally, even modest increases in their positive impact would make a big difference.Kweilin Ellingrud, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Naturally, Wiggins’s first priority was to preserve and enhance the spartan cottage’s existing architecture: the façade of rough-hewn local stone, quaint clapboard walls, restored wood floors, and exposed ceiling beams.Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2025
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Its rugged, waterproof build is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, while add-on lenses enhance versatility for content creators.Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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With Venus in Pisces gracing your career sector, your professional life gets a Venusian boost of charm, which could inspire the desire to incorporate more art and joy into your professional life.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025
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These nifty night surfers use the strong winds generated by the front to get a boost to their destination—and expend less energy in the process, according to the paper.Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Second, invest in initiatives that deepen your audience’s connection to your brand.Will Fan, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
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The fires — expected to be among the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history — have deepened a crisis in the state’s home insurance market that was already reeling before the devastation came.Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
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All defenders have to see the play similarly and move as one with what’s coming at them, and if one player takes a step out of their responsibility, that can be the difference between stopping a play and a medium-to-long gain.Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
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This week’s gains can be tied to respective earnings reports released over recent days.Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion.Anna Skinner, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
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Its marked minerality is heightened by a subtle effervescence which occurs from fermentation at a low temperature to retain small quantities of carbon dioxide.Jillian Dara, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Marvel Rivals is about to launch season 1 in less than 24 hours, and with it, in addition to new content, comes a sweeping balance patch that touches a large number of heroes.Paul Tassi, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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In addition to the Sunset Fire, crews are fighting to contain the rapidly spreading Palisades and Eaton fires, as well as the Hurst, Lidia and Woodley blazes.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 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 20 Jan. 2025.
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