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.
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Recent Examples of step up
Tamara Keith, NPR, 20 May 2025
No new sanctions on Russia from Trump Trump has threatened to step up sanctions and tariffs on Russia but hasn’t acted so far.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 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
Trump recently stepped up the pressure on holdouts in his party on social media, calling on his party to unite behind the bill — and warning holdouts to get behind it.
—Tamara Keith, NPR, 20 May 2025
No new sanctions on Russia from Trump Trump has threatened to step up sanctions and tariffs on Russia but hasn’t acted so far.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 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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The September departure of OpenAI’s chief technology officer, Mira Murati, who then founded a rival AI startup, has intensified the AI talent war.—
Anna Tong,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Working with players on a daily basis allows medical teams to develop strong relationships with them, but this can intensify the pressure to make the right decisions.—
Geoff Scott,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Noun
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To date in 2025, the CDC has reported over 8,000 cases of whooping cough, a more than two-fold increase from the same time last year.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 May 2025
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Do this right up front and the chance of renewal increases considerably.—
Jennifer Lotito,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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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This could deepen existing social inequalities, creating new layers of privilege and marginalization.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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Months passed and her discomfort deepened into a piercing pain, but by the time she was taken seriously, a scary diagnosis left one of her ovaries beyond saving.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
25 May 2025
Noun
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Vegan protein powder with more than 25 grams of protein per serving With 30 grams of protein per serving, this is a great powder for those looking for serious gains.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
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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The decision is expected to heighten tensions between the Trump administration and California.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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The shift in gravity unsettled some people, heightening their anxiety about random and unrelated incidents.—
Karen Hao,
Wired News,
21 May 2025
Noun
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In addition to acting, Amara is a model currently signed with The Rock Agency.—
Avalon Hester,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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In addition to proof of citizenship, the bill also would require states to remove anyone identified as a noncitizen from voter rolls.—
Deborah Barfield Berry,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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