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
Examples 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
Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Depth in the secondary — where Molden has solidified the safety position while rookie cornerbacks Still and Cam Hart have stepped up outside — has allowed James to flex his versatility in every facet of the defense.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
Jakob Roze, Health, 17 Oct. 2024
Do light step-ups a few inches high, mimicking climbing a set of stairs and that also helps with balance control and coordination.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step up 
Verb
The big picture: The arrest comes as police step up security around the White House and Vice President Harris' residence in D.C. and National Guard units in several states and local law enforcement agencies prepare for possible Election Day violence.
—Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Depth in the secondary — where Molden has solidified the safety position while rookie cornerbacks Still and Cam Hart have stepped up outside — has allowed James to flex his versatility in every facet of the defense.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
For example, step-ups mimic climbing stairs, while rows (which target your back muscles) mimic pulling open heavy doors or lifting heavy objects.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 17 Oct. 2024
Do light step-ups a few inches high, mimicking climbing a set of stairs and that also helps with balance control and coordination.
—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
The launch intensifies competition in mobile AI as Google and Microsoft (MSFT-2.16%) vie for smartphone dominance.Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
-
These disparities in attitude will intensify as the war gets closer to an end and as Ukraine’s postwar status comes into sharper focus.Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
When will the increases go into effect? Customers will see increases in their electric bill, based on the higher rates, beginning January 1 and again in January 2026.Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
-
Wolf growth has been rampant across the Golden State this year; at least 30 new pups were born in California in 2024 alone, marking the largest single-year population increase in a century, officials say.Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Inside, a fireplace enhances the ambiance of the living area.Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
-
The Mach 1 boots also use a polyurethane plastic with a thickness adjusted to enhance vibration damping and stability.Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Leading up to the election, Musk tinkered with the algorithm to give his posts a boost.Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024
-
Women's sports have been skyrocketing in popularity in recent years; basketball in particular has seen a massive boost thanks to WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink.Justin Klawans, The Week US, theweek, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
And Trump’s involvement with the crypto industry could continue to deepen.Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
-
Trump wants to make that law permanent and deepen some of the tax cuts.Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
About five miles roundtrip, with a total elevation gain of about 335 feet, the outing would be great for a family.James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024
-
With the rising tide of democratic setbacks, the growing assertiveness of Russia and China, and the electoral gains of illiberal populist parties and candidates in Europe and the United States, many observers feared the authoritarian trend was becoming a juggernaut.Larry Diamond, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
A number of fires have broken out in New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, and windy conditions are heightening the fire risk in the region.Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024
-
When the film’s content was difficult to follow or more ambiguous like during Inception, activity was heightened in executive control brain regions.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
In addition, Starbucks plans to bring back condiment bars, a move aimed at reducing barista workload.Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
-
In addition, some wild animals in zoos have been bred under human care and over time, might become susceptible to allergies through genetic drift.Jen McCaffery, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near step up
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share