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
Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2025
At the same time, a growing number of high-end hotels are stepping up to serve as hiking hubs.
—Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
With the new administration in office, discussions around potentially eliminating the step-up in basis are gaining momentum.
—Cody Barbo, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
This is the set to watch next weekend: rumors are the guests will be totally different, with Dave Grohl and Cynthia Erivo both rumored to be stepping up.
—Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2025
At the same time, a growing number of high-end hotels are stepping up to serve as hiking hubs.
—Mary Holland, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
The biggest difference from last year to this year is the defensive step-up USC has taken.
—The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
With the new administration in office, discussions around potentially eliminating the step-up in basis are gaining momentum.
—Cody Barbo, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
Patterson’s departure likely will intensify UM’s efforts to find a starting caliber safety in the portal.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2025
-
In this context of uncertainty, competition intensifies on entry and middle market watches.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The current model of two sites rather than four, like in the men’s NCAA Tournament, reduces overhead costs, and the increase in gate revenue is an additional boon.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
-
This vulnerability is further underscored by recent increases in poverty.—
Murtaza Ali,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Multimillion-dollar residences on the stylish Soho strip enhance the neighborhood’s offerings, providing residents with unmatched dwellings.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
-
By implementing regenerative agricultural practices, SRI focuses on enhancing soil health, conserving biodiversity, reducing chemical dependency, and promoting water conservation.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Without the screen time or the mechanism behind it, the connection feels like industry politicking — the rapper gets a signal boost and Max accumulates producer cred.—
Sheldon Pearce,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Finau's confidence may also get a boost from a recent hole-in-one at the Valero Texas Open, following another notable ace in the past.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In 2023, Williams, who had picked up beat-making as a hobby during the pandemic, sought to deepen his understanding of the form and his long-standing attachment to innovators such as Dilla.—
Sheldon Pearce,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good’s relationship has been anything but conventional, and the latest revelation about the sacrifices the actress made for their love story only deepens the narrative.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The agreement had required Iran to drastically reduce its uranium enrichment and stockpile levels in return for sanctions relief, which helped stabilize its economy before the U.S. exit reversed those gains.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
-
In a statement announcing one of these rollbacks, the EPA said that the U.S. has already made major gains in air quality, implying that these are enough.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
National security risks heightened in Great Lakes regions, expert says Jim Weakley, the president of the Lake Carriers' Association, which represents the interests of U.S. commercial shippers, discussed the national security risks present at the U.S.-Canadian border.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
While Istanbul was not impacted, the devastation in southern Turkey heightened fears of a similar quake with experts citing the city’s proximity to fault lines.—
Mehmet Guzel,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Late Monday night, federal officials indicated that Harvard would be docked $2.2 billion in multiyear grants in addition to the cancellation of a $60 million contract due to its letter and failure to comply.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to its durability, the rug is also easy to care for.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share