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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
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
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
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
-
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
-
Those talks are likely to intensify with Thursday’s NBA trade deadline fast approaching.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In the three months following the attack, the ADL tracked a 361% increase in antisemitic incidents compared to the same period the year prior.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA TODAY,
27 Jan. 2025
-
While homicides were down, IMPD recorded a 7% increase in the number of non-fatal shootings among kids.—
Arika Herron,
Axios,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
According to OpenAI, the new partnership will involve scientists using OpenAI’s technology to enhance cybersecurity to protect the U.S. power grid, identify new approaches to treating and preventing diseases and deepen understanding of fundamental mathematics and physics.—
Hayden Field,
NBC News,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Jovic provided a big boost off the bench, with 17 points (including three for four on three-pointers), to go along with six rebounds and four assists.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Following a hot start to the season, Atlanta has fallen back down to earth and is in need of a boost.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Small portions quickly add up to big portions and deepen our debt.—
Cal Thomas,
arkansasonline.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Shares of Planet rose as much as 14% in trading Wednesday before giving up early gains to trade little changed from its previous close of $5.46 a share.—
Michael Sheetz,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2025
-
The company completed the sale of its Maryland properties, resulting in a net loss of $356,000 for fiscal 2024, compared to a gain of $68,771,000 in fiscal 2022.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
January’s energy is heightening your creative side and invites a playful, loving energy into your interactions.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Lamar had lost both song and record of the year three times at previous Grammy ceremonies, in addition to four losses for album of the year (plus two more as a featured artist on albums by others).—
Joe Coscarelli,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2025
-
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 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share