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
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Recent Examples of step up
Liz Lee, USA Today, 3 June 2025
China stepped up cloud seeding in the face of severe drought.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 3 June 2025
Jay Harris, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
The bill would preserve step-up in basis, allowing heirs to inherit assets tax-free and sell with no capital gains tax on prior appreciation.
—Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Hegseth urged Asian allies to step up defense spending.
—Liz Lee, USA Today, 3 June 2025
China stepped up cloud seeding in the face of severe drought.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
Tel has scored twice in the league and played 80 minutes in last week’s quarter-final second leg against Frankfurt, but this felt like a step-up from his previous performances.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
The bill would preserve step-up in basis, allowing heirs to inherit assets tax-free and sell with no capital gains tax on prior appreciation.
—Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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Supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during recent global disruptions have highlighted the fragility of our food systems and have intensified competition while simultaneously opening new markets.—
Persa Sakellaridi,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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The Two of Swords indicates mental fog, likely intensified by Mercury retrograde in Aries starting on the 15th.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
Noun
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In value, precious metal watches came first at 953 million Swiss francs and a 23.4 percent increase, followed by steel and bimetallic watches.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
27 May 2025
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According to Omdia, Brazil’s online video revenues will reach $14.4 billion by 2029, $3 billion of that increase from advertising.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Its main three areas of focus revolve around advocating for the legal profession, eliminating bias and enhancing diversity, as well as advancing the rule of law.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
30 May 2025
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Britt wants to see expansions of two child care tax breaks, as she’s pushed a bipartisan measure with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) aimed at enhancing support for child and dependent care.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
Noun
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There’s also a thick outsole, providing a platform effect in addition to a slight heel for a boost in height.—
Mikelle Street,
Footwear News,
25 May 2025
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Remember, anyone who signs up in Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia will be eligible for a 15-to-1 odds boost.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 May 2025
Verb
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As Meech and Terry confront new enemies and deal with the consequences of their time in Mexico, the tension between them deepens, testing a bond that once felt unbreakable.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
6 June 2025
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In that film, Cazale is visibly sick, but that only deepens his performance as the sad fool in a macho band of brothers.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Efficiency gains may help, but the shift toward energy-hungry inference workloads will further strain capacity.—
Quartz Staff,
Quartz,
29 May 2025
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India and Vietnam made the largest gains – with both receiving attention from Trump in recent weeks, especially India – with the former increasing its market share from 0.12% to 16.89% and the latter from 6.32% to 16.75%.—
Ken Roberts,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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That fear has only heightened this week with the attack in Boulder, the third violent attack on the Jewish community in the last two months.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
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The pair’s meanders through the Turkish metropolis heighten the atmosphere of the quest – namely the search for beauty in things that aren’t perfect.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
Noun
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In addition, voters in 18 states and Mexico City were choosing some 1,800 regional judges.—
Patrick J. McDonnell,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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In addition, there will be two virtual public hearings on Tuesday, June 3, at noon and 6 p.m. Residents can join using Cisco Webex.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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