as in intensifying
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 stepping up
Atkinson, who was Providence’s only returning starter from last season, has been thrilled about Webb stepping up and being another senior leader on a young team.
—
Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Crean Lutheran High School girls' track and field star Reese Hogan went viral one year ago after stepping up from second place to the top spot on a medal podium to protest a trans athlete who beat her in the triple jump.
—Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Every kid grows up dreaming of playing on their hometown team in a big playoff game, stepping up in the most crucial of moments.
—Staff Report, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
The American public is dismayed and frustrated that Congress is not stepping up to protect our nation against the extreme tyranny of this administration.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The grueling reality of a playoff series without the high-scoring duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so far, has left the Lakers needing every extra inch, players up and down the roster stepping up in their absence.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
The 40-year-old initially joined as an assistant coach with the under-21s before stepping up to be their head coach after the departure of Filipe Coelho to join Rosenior’s Strasbourg staff last summer.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Local churches and volunteers are stepping up to support those who've lost everything or have been forced out of their homes.
—Nakell Williams, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Governments are stepping up contingency measures.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Crean Lutheran High School girls' track and field star Reese Hogan went viral one year ago after stepping up from second place to the top spot on a medal podium to protest a trans athlete who beat her in the triple jump.
—Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Every kid grows up dreaming of playing on their hometown team in a big playoff game, stepping up in the most crucial of moments.
—Staff Report, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026
The American public is dismayed and frustrated that Congress is not stepping up to protect our nation against the extreme tyranny of this administration.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The grueling reality of a playoff series without the high-scoring duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so far, has left the Lakers needing every extra inch, players up and down the roster stepping up in their absence.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
The 40-year-old initially joined as an assistant coach with the under-21s before stepping up to be their head coach after the departure of Filipe Coelho to join Rosenior’s Strasbourg staff last summer.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Local churches and volunteers are stepping up to support those who've lost everything or have been forced out of their homes.
—Nakell Williams, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Governments are stepping up contingency measures.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
Verb
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The funding round came amid intensifying competition from major players like Microsoft and Amazon, as well as a wave of AI-native startups including fellow 2026 Disruptor Perplexity.—
Michelle Castillo,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
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There’s concern that the amount of water needed to cool Stratos facilities could further drain the Great Salt Lake, intensifying exposure to toxic sediments in the rapidly shrinking watershed.—
Mary Jane Gibson,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2026
Verb
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The operator of the third-busiest cargo port in the United States has agreed to invest $8 million or more for a feasibility study into deepening and widening the 33-mile-long shipping channel.—
Adam Van Brimmer,
AJC.com,
19 May 2026
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In a stunning rebuke, the Board of Governors rejected his appointment, forcing UF to restart the search and deepening concerns among faculty and alumni that ideological alignment now outweighs academic credentials in Florida university leadership.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Also, as a luxury boutique camp with astronomical price points, supplying a bedroom robe would’ve been a great, comfort-enhancing touch.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
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The company also is enhancing its loyalty program with new subscription services.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 May 2026
Verb
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The likelihood of a potentially powerful El Niño taking shape in the Pacific Ocean is rising, heightening concerns that Southern California could be in for an extreme rainy season.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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Hotel rooms remain available, as do tickets to most games, heightening fans’ frustrations.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Lean on your network Rather than spending all their time on applications, job seekers should prioritize making and strengthening connections, according to Gavin.—
Sophie Caldwell,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
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Improving wall sit performance comes from consistent practice, proper form, and strengthening the quads, glutes, and core.—
Christa Sgobba,
Health,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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