STEP UP Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

step up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of step up

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

step-up

2 of 2

noun

ˈstep-ˌəp

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. 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

Verb

The shift comes as Beijing steps up scrutiny of wealth held outside mainland China. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 State and local leaders can step up by highlighting more innovation than ever in this perilous time to support California’s vital role in global food production. — Jonathan Destler, Fortune, 27 Aug. 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 — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax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

As the bust continued in Alaska, work on the base accelerated and intensified.

— M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Inflation and tariff pressures have intensified these challenges.

— Tejal Patel, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensify

Noun

The typical small business faces premium increases of 14% next year, based on a preliminary analysis by KFF.

— Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency has warned that the growing trend of concurrent and cascading disasters is expected to continue and, in many cases, increase.

— Milad Haghani, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Meta agreed to impose changes including a default two-hour daily time limit for teens across Facebook and Instagram, muted notifications during school hours, and enhanced parental controls, with more updates potentially on the horizon.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Leaders must prioritize building cognitive and identity infrastructure, focusing on *how* people think and their self-authorship, ensuring AI enhances human judgment rather than standardizing it.

— Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhance

Noun

But the reflation boost appears to be petering out as much of the price recovery has been driven by surging global energy costs, while domestic demand lags.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
That is a big boost for the detection of worlds that don't pass between Earth and their host star.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of boost

Verb

Since seizing power, Tiani’s government has shifted away from Western partners, deepened ties with Russia and broken with the regional ECOWAS bloc, joining Mali and Burkina Faso to form the breakaway AES bloc.

— Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
My 50s has just continued to be about trying to figure out my place in the world and deepening my friendships with my friends, my family.

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepen

Verb

So much for the first-team offense — with quarterback Caleb Williams getting a brief cameo — delivering a feel-good touchdown drive to heighten the summer energy.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Seattle comforts you with its natural beauty, quieting your mind and heightening your senses.

— Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of heighten

Noun

With key draft additions filling secondary gaps alongside veteran pass rushers upfront, even a middle-of-the-pack defensive performance would drastically change Dallas' game-to-game outlook.

— David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
The addition of Victory+ had been designed in part to accommodate the NWSL’s growing inventory after expansion to 16 teams increased the regular-season schedule from 182 matches in 2025 to 240 this year.

— Asli Pelit, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of addition

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steps up

step up

step-up

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“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of step up

verb

noun

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