up the ante
idiom
1
: to raise the cost or price
The popular actor first demanded twice the salary offered him but then kept upping the ante.
2
: to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something
—often + on
The new law ups the ante on people who cheat on their taxes.
3
: to set a higher standard or goal
—often + on
The film ups the ante on special effects.
Examples of up the ante in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite some behind-the-scenes shakeups, the show's new season will up the ante by super-sizing its cast with several notable names.
—
Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 May 2025
There’s reason to think that next year’s celebration will up the ante.
—Amy S. Greenberg, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Next year, officials hope to up the ante even more by placing animatronic greater sage-grouse replicas on the field.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025
With each year bringing a new theme, stylists up the ante in fresh, creative ways.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for up the ante
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Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 May 2025
There’s reason to think that next year’s celebration will up the ante.
—Amy S. Greenberg, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Next year, officials hope to up the ante even more by placing animatronic greater sage-grouse replicas on the field.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025
With each year bringing a new theme, stylists up the ante in fresh, creative ways.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for up the ante
Cite this Entry
“Up the ante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up%20the%20ante. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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