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
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Recent Examples of step up
David Lyons,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
The two giants are increasingly at odds, The Wall Street Journal reported, and other challengers are also stepping up to meet growing demand.
—
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
Jennifer Klump,
Verywell Health,
12 June 2026
The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax rules to take advantage of the step-up in basis which would have otherwise been lost.
—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Verb
Other discounters step up Spirit’s other rivals in the discount category also have been conspicuous in their additions, essentially upholding the airport’s tradition of being the state’s mainstay for budget carriers.
—
David Lyons,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
The two giants are increasingly at odds, The Wall Street Journal reported, and other challengers are also stepping up to meet growing demand.
—
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
Noun
These exercises included marching in place, stair step-ups, and fast bodyweight squats, all of which could be performed at home with no equipment and without dedicating a large block of time.
—
Jennifer Klump,
Verywell Health,
12 June 2026
The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax rules to take advantage of the step-up in basis which would have otherwise been lost.
—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
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If employees are expected to produce the same output in less time without better systems in place, the pressure simply intensifies.
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Europe's automotive industry faces a severe crisis, intensified by the EU's 2035 electric vehicle mandate and fierce Chinese competition.
Noun
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Earthquakes are measured by magnitude on a logarithmic scale — so each whole number increase translates to 32 times more energy released by the quake.
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Economists have warned the increase in tax revenue is temporary and note persistent gaps between spending and revenue.
Verb
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This may sound like a minor detail, but cabin location can enhance the overall journey.
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In addition to its instant, complexion-enhancing tint, the formula contains skin care ingredients lauded for their smoothing, quenching properties.
Noun
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Local business owners welcomed the boost in business as Dodgers fans filled restaurants, hotels and entertainment districts throughout Sacramento and West Sacramento.
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But while the sportswear giant remains the category leader by revenue, and the company is enjoying a FIFA World Cup boost for its soccer jersey sales, the momentum has shifted decisively away from Beaverton, Oregon.
Verb
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Connection deepens as the nurturing Moon in your 7th House of Partnership forms a supportive sextile to intense Pluto in your 9th House of Higher Learning.
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What deepened the economic ruin was a collapse in consumer spending, driven by sudden, widespread uncertainty about future income.
Noun
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Recent share price gains have propelled InnoLight and Foxconn Industrial Internet into the 1 trillion yuan market cap range, along with CATL.
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Some data storage companies have seen even more eye-popping gains.
Verb
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Trump responded by saying their decision only heightens the importance of Congress passing the SAVE America Act, his effort to rewrite voter eligibility laws.
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The environmental organizations raised concerns about the nearby data center’s potential effects, including noise and light pollution that could alter animals’ breeding patterns and potentially heighten their stress responses.
Noun
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Wade is the first free-agent addition to the Sixers since Mike Gansey replaced Daryl Morey as the team's new president of basketball operations.
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Its newest addition—part of hotelier Ian Schrager’s Edition chain—is a decidedly more subdued affair, and that’s by design.
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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