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
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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
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The launch intensifies competition in mobile AI as Google and Microsoft (MSFT-2.16%) vie for smartphone dominance.Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
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With Republicans taking control of the White House and the U.S. Senate, the battle over who controls the House has only intensified post-Election Day — and that runs right through some key, still-close races in Orange County.Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Economists predict this investment will produce a 21% net increase in the U.S. GDP by 2030.Vidya Plainfield, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
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One of the world’s biggest pop stars has played a pivotal role in the increase in female Chiefs fans over the last year.Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Perfect pairings: As an Eau de Toilette, Cherry Blossom benefits significantly from thoughtful layering to enhance its delicate nature and extend its presence throughout the day.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
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According to a press release, Kings Island's new family-friendly entertainment is part of a $1 billion investment that Six Flags is making over the next two years to enhance the guest experience at its 42 parks.Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Accelerators: Like a shot of espresso for your sales team, accelerators kick in when reps hit specific targets, giving them that extra boost to close deals faster.Anjai Lal, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
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Since his election win, Trump has also helped give the wider crypto market a boost.Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
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And Trump’s involvement with the crypto industry could continue to deepen.Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
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Trump wants to make that law permanent and deepen some of the tax cuts.Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Studies show that resistance bands actually provide similar strength gains compared to those achieved with conventional gym equipment.Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 22 Nov. 2024
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Harris did make some gains among seniors, saw marginal losses with Black voters and held her own with white voters, but those massive drops with Latinos and young voters were damaging.Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
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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
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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
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In addition, Starbucks plans to bring back condiment bars, a move aimed at reducing barista workload.Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
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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 30 Nov. 2024.
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