up the ante
idiom
1
: to raise the cost or price
The popular actor first demanded twice the salary offered him but then kept upping the ante.
2
: to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something
—often + on
The new law ups the ante on people who cheat on their taxes.
3
: to set a higher standard or goal
—often + on
The film ups the ante on special effects.
Examples of up the ante in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Wrap the vessel as is, or up the ante by filling it with seasonal sweets or an Amazon gift card.
—
Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2024
And then puts the onus back on producers to react in kind and up the ante.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2024
For an evening out, don’t hesitate to up the ante and wear your leopard loafers with a satin midiskirt and a glitter top.
—Nuala Phillips, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2024
Even homes that cater to mulled and earthen hues tend to up the ante with luxurious textiles and materials in cozy, moody bedrooms.
—Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for up the ante 
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Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2024
And then puts the onus back on producers to react in kind and up the ante.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2024
For an evening out, don’t hesitate to up the ante and wear your leopard loafers with a satin midiskirt and a glitter top.
—Nuala Phillips, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2024
Even homes that cater to mulled and earthen hues tend to up the ante with luxurious textiles and materials in cozy, moody bedrooms.
—Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for up the ante
Dictionary Entries Near up the ante
Cite this Entry
“Up the ante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/up%20the%20ante. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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