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
Sarah Sax, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
With Ladd McConkey and J.K. Dobbins both out, Los Angeles needs someone else to step up outside of Justin Herbert.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Like the $1,499 step-up config, the base model comes with 16GB of memory and a 256GB solid-state drive.
—Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step up 
Verb
Now, community solar is stepping up to fill that gap, says Bruce Stewart, CEO and president of Perch Energy, one of the nation’s largest solar companies focused solely on community solar.
—Sarah Sax, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
With Ladd McConkey and J.K. Dobbins both out, Los Angeles needs someone else to step up outside of Justin Herbert.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
Cost of sales increased to $63.1 million from $48.1 million in the previous year, attributed to higher sales volumes and the amortization of inventory step-up from the Alimera acquisition.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Like the $1,499 step-up config, the base model comes with 16GB of memory and a 256GB solid-state drive.
—Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step up
Verb
-
The rhetoric coming from the White House was less hostile, but getting tough on China had become a political necessity for whoever was president, and the trade war only intensified.Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
-
By absorbing water from storms and flooding, wetlands can effectively reduce the risks and destructive effects of these disasters, which are intensifying and becoming more frequent because of a changing climate.Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The average premium increase is estimated around 7%, according to a report from insurance research site ValuePenguin.com.Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
-
Japanese unions typically negotiate wage increases in the first three months of the calendar year ahead of the financial year that begins in April.Lin Lin, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
On the other hand, bright and vibrant colors work to enhance the natural undertones and can even have a brightening effect.Jessica Fields, Essence, 19 Dec. 2024
-
Options to opt out of certain forms of data tracking can further enhance the ethical use of AI and promote greater consumer confidence.Gary Drenik, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Dogs may genuinely give their owners a happiness boost at work.Jessica Pierce, TIME, 15 Dec. 2024
-
Even so, Young would instantly give the Lakers a significant boost as a primary playmaker and scoring threat.Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
One such Art Basel Miami Beach artist whose work has deepened many horizons is Clarence James, a Washington, D.C.-based former street artist whose journey from graffiti to galleries has led to collaborations with Fendi and Chanel.Lilian Raji, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
-
Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, reported that the assault had 'seriously damaged' its thermal power plants, deepening concerns about the country's energy stability while winter sets in.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Crime has also been an issue for Democrats in cities like New York, where Republicans made significant gains with all types of voters this year.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
-
That would equate to a forecast sales gain in new cars and trucks of 2.5% or less.Michael Wayland, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The state’s role as a gateway state with its ports heightens the risk of a foreign threat.Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Dec. 2024
-
Any unease was heightened by the crowd remarking on a blaze that appeared to only march forward.Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
In addition to his 374 home runs, Colavito drove in 1,159 runs (leading the league with 108 in 1965) and had a .266 career batting average.Richard Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
-
In addition to Guerendo, defensive end Nick Bosa (hip/oblique), tackle Trent Williams (heel/ankle) and guard Ben Bartch (ankle) missed practice.Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 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 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share