stepping up

verb

present participle of step up
as in intensifying
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

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 stepping up Post Malone had some help with his proposal to stylist Christy Lee, with Angel City Jewelers stepping up to the plate to craft the perfect luxury engagement ring for the singer-rapper’s bride-to-be. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 At a moment when Washington is retreating from its responsibilities, New York is stepping up for vulnerable immigrant children. — Meena Shah, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026 Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria have been stepping up efforts to localize manufacturing of equipment for solar power, from module assembly to more advanced manufacturing, according to industry experts. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 As parts of Puerto Rico face a record-breaking drought and no running water, a South Florida company is stepping up to offer help by sending machines capable of turning air into water. — Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026 Second-year edge rusher Collin Oliver showed promise with strong plays, stepping up in Micah Parsons' absence. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Cities across the Southwest are stepping up conservation efforts amid the growing crisis facing a key Colorado River reservoir straddling the Utah-Arizona border. — Swasti Singhai, USA Today, 26 July 2026 Maresca arrives at a time when City’s pre-season preparations are stepping up, and with Madrid trying to sign Rodri. — Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 July 2026 Already, countries are stepping up inspections for test-takers. — John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
  1. intensifying
  2. deepening
  3. enhancing
  4. heightening
  5. strengthening
Verb
  • Huge challenges remain, however, with European companies facing intensifying competition from China.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Emergency services have been battling wildfires driven by an intensifying El Nino pattern and a prolonged dry season, generating dense smoke that crossed into Malaysia and Brunei, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.
    — Muhammad Hatta, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensifying
Verb
  • Apart from deepening its presence in existing markets, IHH is also considering expanding into adjacent countries, though Prem admits that no concrete plans have yet been made.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond brands and filmmakers, InnoAsia is deepening ties with technology firms and international markets.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of deepening
Verb
  • The monthly books are chosen by a committee through the Dollywood Foundation with the goal of enhancing early childhood education.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The organization works to champion aspiring and established storytellers by providing events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation and encouraging community partnerships.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhancing
Verb
  • This, of course, is intensified by the weight of tomorrow’s lunar eclipse, already heightening our emotions.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 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 heightening
Verb
  • There is a possibility that the strengthening El Niño weather event creates a mild early winter in northeast Asia which reduces demand, Drinkwater said.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • On stage, Semafor will convene leaders from across these sectors to explore practical strategies for strengthening resilience, supporting families and educators, improving digital literacy, and expanding access to mental health resources.
    — Semafor Events, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of strengthening

Browse Nearby Words

stepping out
stepping up
steps
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All