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
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
-
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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In New York City, activists have intensified their efforts to protest the rising number of migrant deportations, staging multiple demonstrations in opposition of the administration’s controversial moves against immigrants.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Ukraine’s European allies have seen an increase in instances of sabotage, cyber incidents and arson attacks linked to Russia, an attempt by Moscow to put more pressure on Kyiv-friendly governments by trying to show their voters that supporting Kyiv comes with a cost.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
27 May 2025
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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
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
-
At Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop, a caffeine boost is anything but ordinary.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2025
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Colorado has around 584,000 SNAP recipients —10 percent of its population — all of whom are eligible for the boost.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
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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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
Verb
-
Though the first season of this anthology series shares a similar beachy backdrop as the Cliff House, the second shifts to a snowy mountain resort, which only heightens the suspense.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
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, 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
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In addition, 2023 and 2024 featured a powerful El Niño, which tends to strengthen westerly winds in the Atlantic, making early development less likely.—
Jim Foerster,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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