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
While on the podcast, Arkapaw reflected on how over the last five years, Coogler never questioned Arkapaw stepping up to shoot a blockbuster film, nor having shot on large format 70mm and IMAX film.
—
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2026
Now as Rethage takes a step away from the diner, her family is stepping up and so are her neighbors, giving back through a donation jar, GoFundMe page and even a fundraiser at the bar Scarpaci's next week.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The world’s two most populous countries are stepping up regulation of delivery platforms in a bid to curb damaging competitive practices.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Now, the president is stepping up immigration enforcement.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Bennett has shown the knack for stepping up on the biggest stages.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
Jose goes above and beyond to support others, whether by mentoring younger students, volunteering in school activities, or stepping up to help classmates in need.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Before stepping up to assistant chief, Hennie was the captain of the Central Business Section, which includes Downtown and Mount Adams.
—Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2025
With Netflix stepping up to the third-quarter earnings plate after the market close on Tuesday, Kpop characters Rumi, Mira and Zoey are expected to be MVPs.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2025
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2026
Now as Rethage takes a step away from the diner, her family is stepping up and so are her neighbors, giving back through a donation jar, GoFundMe page and even a fundraiser at the bar Scarpaci's next week.
—Lauren Linder, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
The world’s two most populous countries are stepping up regulation of delivery platforms in a bid to curb damaging competitive practices.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Now, the president is stepping up immigration enforcement.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Bennett has shown the knack for stepping up on the biggest stages.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
Jose goes above and beyond to support others, whether by mentoring younger students, volunteering in school activities, or stepping up to help classmates in need.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Before stepping up to assistant chief, Hennie was the captain of the Central Business Section, which includes Downtown and Mount Adams.
—Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2025
With Netflix stepping up to the third-quarter earnings plate after the market close on Tuesday, Kpop characters Rumi, Mira and Zoey are expected to be MVPs.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
Verb
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Benoit Tessier | Reuters LONDON — European stocks are expected to open lower on Wednesday, as traders monitor intensifying operations in the Middle East.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
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The government is intensifying efforts to rein in a glut in production.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The impact of the war in the Middle East is deepening in economies far beyond the region as energy prices spike, forcing experts to reassess the risk of a global recession.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
17 Mar. 2026
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Díaz-Canel acknowledged last week that his government is in talks with Washington, a rare public admission that came as Cuba faces deepening economic turmoil and energy shortages.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There are hundreds of perennial and low-growing shrub groundcover plants, including short ornamental grasses that provide thick, dense cover, control erosion, and choke out weeds while enhancing the overall landscape.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
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Turkey has been further enhancing its border defenses to be able to respond to a potential influx of people fleeing unrest after mass antigovernment protests in Iran were met by a brutal crackdown in January that left thousands dead.—
Serra Yedikardes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Warm overnight lows in the 60s and 70s prevent body cooling, heightening risks for heat exhaustion and heatstroke among seniors, homeless individuals and those with chronic conditions.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
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Lower has the yeoman’s task of heightening the narrative’s frenetic unease.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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McDonnell said the department was increasing visibility, strengthening enforcement and expanding partnerships to deter criminal activity in the area and hold offenders accountable.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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She is focused on addressing the affordability crisis many face, protecting people's rights, reducing health care costs, tackling homelessness, and strengthening the public education system, according to her campaign website.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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