as in intensified
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
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Recent Examples of stepped up
Mbappé stepped up in the 70th minute and duly converted for his seventh goal of the tournament – overtaking Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race due to his assist total.
—
Patrick Sung Cuadrado,
CNN Money,
4 July 2026
Egypt had lost their past four penalty shootouts before Salah and his team-mates stepped up to face substitute goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
Top England scorer Harry Kane stepped up with two decisive goals that helped his team advance.
—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
The latest attack by Russia comes as Kyiv has stepped up long-range drone strikes in Russia.
—
Justina Lee,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
The National Association of Secretaries of State, which has long been a place for secretaries to discuss election security threats, has stepped up its efforts this year, said spokesman John Milhofer.
—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for the war and make Russians feel the consequences of the invasion, now in its fifth year.
—
ABC News,
27 June 2026
This week, Jennifer Lopez stepped up her style game for the New York City premiere of her new Netflix romantic comedy Office Romance, and Kerry Washington sparkled in gold at the 2026 Gotham TV Awards — and that's just the beginning.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
It should be pointed out that Machado has stepped up to take plenty of blame in 2026.
—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2026
Patrick Sung Cuadrado,
CNN Money,
4 July 2026
Egypt had lost their past four penalty shootouts before Salah and his team-mates stepped up to face substitute goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
Top England scorer Harry Kane stepped up with two decisive goals that helped his team advance.
—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
The latest attack by Russia comes as Kyiv has stepped up long-range drone strikes in Russia.
—
Justina Lee,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
The National Association of Secretaries of State, which has long been a place for secretaries to discuss election security threats, has stepped up its efforts this year, said spokesman John Milhofer.
—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for the war and make Russians feel the consequences of the invasion, now in its fifth year.
—
ABC News,
27 June 2026
This week, Jennifer Lopez stepped up her style game for the New York City premiere of her new Netflix romantic comedy Office Romance, and Kerry Washington sparkled in gold at the 2026 Gotham TV Awards — and that's just the beginning.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
It should be pointed out that Machado has stepped up to take plenty of blame in 2026.
—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped up
Verb
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Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure this year, causing fuel shortages in parts of Russia.
-
Gymshark’s growth has slowed as competition has intensified and consumers have become more cautious about spending.
Verb
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It isn't intended to be enhanced by treating the inmate with hostility and cruelty.
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Others, already on the flight home, leave with their reputations enhanced, their followers multiplied and their place in World Cup folklore secure.
Verb
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The result is a looming structural deficit that will lead to higher prices, greater reliance on higher emitting alternatives in some regions, and heightened geopolitical risk for importing nations.
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San Jose Fire Chief Robert Sapien warned that fire dangers are especially heightened this season.
Verb
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Recent workplace shifts have deepened the loneliness epidemic.
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The continued seismic activity has deepened fears among residents already traumatized by the disaster.
Verb
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In recent days, after Museveni was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term, Kainerugaba has strengthened his grip with a series of directives and orders usually reserved for the head of state.
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The good news is that resilience can be strengthened long before a crisis occurs.
Verb
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In the 2000s, Bloomberg consolidated the various agencies into a one-stop shop for navigating city government.
-
The lawsuits were consolidated into one suit in January 2025.
Cite this Entry
“Stepped up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20up. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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