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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of step up
Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Disney truly has stepped up at CinemaCon, and that was apparent last year when the studio arrived with major stars including Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Dwayne Johnson and put on a full Hawaiian show to spotlight Moana 2.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
With the new administration in office, discussions around potentially eliminating the step-up in basis are gaining momentum.
—Cody Barbo, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
The shelter isn’t looking for just anyone to step up and take the feline in.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Disney truly has stepped up at CinemaCon, and that was apparent last year when the studio arrived with major stars including Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Dwayne Johnson and put on a full Hawaiian show to spotlight Moana 2.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
The biggest difference from last year to this year is the defensive step-up USC has taken.
—The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
With the new administration in office, discussions around potentially eliminating the step-up in basis are gaining momentum.
—Cody Barbo, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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Patterson’s departure likely will intensify UM’s efforts to find a starting caliber safety in the portal.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2025
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In this context of uncertainty, competition intensifies on entry and middle market watches.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The current model of two sites rather than four, like in the men’s NCAA Tournament, reduces overhead costs, and the increase in gate revenue is an additional boon.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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This vulnerability is further underscored by recent increases in poverty.—
Murtaza Ali,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Multimillion-dollar residences on the stylish Soho strip enhance the neighborhood’s offerings, providing residents with unmatched dwellings.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
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By implementing regenerative agricultural practices, SRI focuses on enhancing soil health, conserving biodiversity, reducing chemical dependency, and promoting water conservation.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The initial drop in mortgage rates last week had housing watchers cheering a potential boost to the lackluster spring market.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2025
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Finau's confidence may also get a boost from a recent hole-in-one at the Valero Texas Open, following another notable ace in the past.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In 2023, Williams, who had picked up beat-making as a hobby during the pandemic, sought to deepen his understanding of the form and his long-standing attachment to innovators such as Dilla.—
Sheldon Pearce,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
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Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good’s relationship has been anything but conventional, and the latest revelation about the sacrifices the actress made for their love story only deepens the narrative.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In a statement announcing one of these rollbacks, the EPA said that the U.S. has already made major gains in air quality, implying that these are enough.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2025
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The agreement had required Iran to drastically reduce its uranium enrichment and stockpile levels in return for sanctions relief, which helped stabilize its economy before the U.S. exit reversed those gains.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His involvement has heightened her fear over the ongoing attacks on judges.—
Dan Kaufman,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
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The maritime agency has also taken forceful measures, including ramming and water cannon deployment, further heightening tensions with Manila.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Late Monday night, federal officials indicated that Harvard would be docked $2.2 billion in multiyear grants in addition to the cancellation of a $60 million contract due to its letter and failure to comply.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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In addition to its durability, the rug is also easy to care for.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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