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
Officers are stepping up patrols in the area during the nighttime hours, police said.
—
Jason Green, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Some suggested military escorts for fuel trucks while others urged stepping up strikes on Ukrainian bridges, fuel storage sites and other infrastructure.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
The gunman, who had the hood of his sweatshirt cinched over his face, was caught on video stepping up and shooting Herrera in the left side of the head at point-blank range.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
Ownership means people are stepping up to the challenge, taking full responsibility, and feeling empowered to act.
—Jane Sparrow, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Reese Hogan, of Christian institution Crean Lutheran High School, went viral for stepping up to the top spot on the podium after Hernandez stepped down from it in the exact same round in 2025.
—Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
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
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
Jason Green, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Some suggested military escorts for fuel trucks while others urged stepping up strikes on Ukrainian bridges, fuel storage sites and other infrastructure.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
The gunman, who had the hood of his sweatshirt cinched over his face, was caught on video stepping up and shooting Herrera in the left side of the head at point-blank range.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
Ownership means people are stepping up to the challenge, taking full responsibility, and feeling empowered to act.
—Jane Sparrow, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Reese Hogan, of Christian institution Crean Lutheran High School, went viral for stepping up to the top spot on the podium after Hernandez stepped down from it in the exact same round in 2025.
—Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
Verb
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At the same time, the pace of technological change is accelerating, and global competition is intensifying.—
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
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The upward pressure is intensifying this week as derivatives and other kinds of secondary financial instruments related to SpaceX go live.—
Tobias Burns,
CNBC,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Inside Ecole National Republique de Colombie in the Turgeau neighborhood where 1,246 individuals live in squalor, residents uprooted by gangs described lives defined by deepening hunger and increasingly inhumane conditions.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2026
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Alo, the fashion and wellness brand best known for its athleisure, is deepening its beauty offering with two introductions.—
Kathryn Hopkins,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Layered cuts and bangs can add dimension and reduce weight, enhancing the overall look of thick hair.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
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The district’s priorities include sustaining full-day kindergarten in all elementary schools, providing free breakfast for all students, enhancing mental health training and resources for students and staff, expanding career technical education and opening new pre-K centers.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The gameplay will feel smooth and tactile, heightening your immersion.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
11 June 2026
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Tones of silver as well as green and red added further contrast to the tone of the dress while heightening the whimsical aesthetic.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 June 2026
Verb
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In February, Anthropic contributed $20 million toward an effort to elect congressional candidates who favor strengthening AI safeguards.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
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After strengthening briefly, the storm is expected to make its way onto land, tracking to the northeast along the coast of Texas into southern Louisiana through Wednesday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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