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
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
China is stepping up its provocations, recently sending its largest deployment in years into the Taiwan Strait.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 18 Dec. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for step up 
Verb
Host Trevor Noah remarked on L.A.’s resilience and the community of support that stepped up after the fires claimed nearly 30 lives and more than 16,000 homes.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
China is stepping up its provocations, recently sending its largest deployment in years into the Taiwan Strait.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Noun
The company reported a gross margin of 55.2%, up from 54.2% in the previous year, reflecting favorable product mix and lower incremental inventory step-up amortization.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 18 Dec. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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Keep in mind, Venus will meet with Pluto in your sign on Feb. 7, which could intensify dynamics between you and a close friend or acquaintance.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
1 Feb. 2025
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The purge intensified Monday when, according to the New York Times, former IG office staffers were directed to surrender to their agencies work laptops, phones, parking decals, and ID cards.—
Andrew C. McCarthy,
National Review,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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By 2050, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans for 50 to 60 percent of Japan’s electricity to come from renewables, including biomass, hydropower, geothermal, and offshore wind as well as solar—with a controversial increase in nuclear-power production filling in the gaps.—
Hannah Kirshner,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2025
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The Trust has yet to identify a concrete reason behind the precipitous drop in South Dade’s homeless population beyond a countywide increase in outreach efforts.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Here’s what to look for: Includes 27 vitamins and minerals to enhance nutrition Smooth consistency when mixed with water Higher cost per serving Flavors may be too rich for some Huel Complete Protein powder is a solid all-around option for anyone looking for a balanced, quick nutrition boost.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
30 Jan. 2025
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Tennant explains that, in recent years, compression socks have become a staple for triathletes and marathon runners looking to enhance performance and recovery.—
Sandra Rose Salathe,
Flow Space,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Just as Manning’s candidacy gets a boost from the two magical Super Bowl runs, the lack of team success during the second half of his career is a drag.—
Dan Duggan,
The Athletic,
7 Feb. 2025
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The Morningstar model of retirement outcomes projects eligible Americans to receive a boost of 12% to their wealth in retirement.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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But there are long-term costs, and not simply in the risk of beggar-thy-neighbor trade policies of the kind that deepened the Great Depression.—
Bret Stephens,
The Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2025
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Small portions quickly add up to big portions and deepen our debt.—
Cal Thomas,
arkansasonline.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Without addressing the structural issues—corruption, weak institutions, economic precarity—security gains won't hold.—
Jesus Mesa,
Newsweek,
9 Feb. 2025
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Synchrony reported a gain of $1.1 billion from the sale of Pets Best, contributing to a $1.2 billion increase in other income.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
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And that demand has become increasingly heightened in recent months as hurricanes and wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes across the US.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN,
2 Feb. 2025
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January’s energy is heightening your creative side and invites a playful, loving energy into your interactions.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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With the free agency market also having slim pickings in March, in addition to the the Titans, Browns, and Giants, the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints and even possibly the Indianapolis Colts are left in a difficult situation in evaluating the risk on these players.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
3 Feb. 2025
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The trade picture just gets a little skewed by the Dallas Mavericks getting only one first-round pick for Luka Dončić in addition to 31-year-old All-NBA big man Anthony Davis.—
Zach Harper,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 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 13 Feb. 2025.
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