STEPPING UP Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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

Verb

Richard Engel is back in Ukraine to report on its intensifying war with Russia, with a strike this weekend on a warehouse west of Kyiv becoming its deadliest attack this year — more than 38 people were killed.

— NBC News, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
Bumpy road ahead Beyond political scrutiny, intensifying competition has also added to the company’s struggles in recent years.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensifying

Verb

Brent crude climbed back above $90 a barrel and gasoline stayed over $4 a gallon all month, deepening inflation pressures and sharpening expectations the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates again.

— Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Salesforce ‘s deepening push into artificial intelligence is showing signs of paying off, and that should continue to benefit its stock, according to Goldman Sachs.

— Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 27 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

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

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“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepping up

verb

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