up the ante
phrase
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
The side part offers a contoured look with lots of body, especially when coupled with perfect spiral curls, while the half-up portion up the ante on the allure.
—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for up the ante
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Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
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 6 Jul. 2026.
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