STEPS UP Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

steps up

verb

present tense third-person singular of step up

as in enhances

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 steps up The attack Friday night was the deadliest this year in the war and came as Russia steps up the frequency of major attacks on its neighbor in the hopes of exhausting Ukraine’s defenses. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 For occasions like a proposal that require a little more pomp and circumstance, Cameron steps up his fragrance game with a Ralph Lauren cologne. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026 The shift comes as Beijing steps up scrutiny of wealth held outside mainland China. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 If Lofton lives up to his potential — and either freshman Gavin Mueller or Israel Briggs steps up as a secondary option — this group will outplay its grade. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026 Hot Fuss simultaneously steps up on three other, similar rosters. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The way her seven-piece band and two backup singers are positioned on a platform with just a couple of steps up or down recalls some of the pop-soul bandstands of yore. — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 July 2026 The lethality of the Russian assaults on Kyiv in the last week displays the challenge Ukraine faces in protecting its capital as Russia innovates and steps up its attacks. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Sydney is initially shocked and angry, but ultimately steps up to lead the restaurant, proposing to include Richie as a partner alongside her and Carmy's sister, Natalie (Abby Elliott). — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steps up

Verb

Packed with potent ingredients like isopropyl cloprostenate, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this formula nurtures and enhances your brows from the root.

— Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2026
Gay, who is borderline to make the 53-man roster even with a high number of LB injuries, has seen his special teams participation increase recently, which enhances his chances of making the final roster.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhances

Verb

That reach has made the company an increasingly important link between farms and some of America's biggest food companies, and heightens the risk of food safety problems spreading.

— Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Remember, Virgo wants facts, systems and practical solutions, while Pisces heightens our intuition, compassion and spirituality.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of heightens

Verb

Over the coming years, NASA’s VIPER rover, the European Space Agency’s PROSPECT drilling package, and the Japan-India LUPEX rover are expected to arrive at the moon’s south pole, as the race to find water sources intensifies.

— Reuters, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
The challenge of proximity becomes more serious when a storm rapidly intensifies.

— Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensifies

Verb

As war fatigue deepens, politicians are increasingly exploiting anti-refugee sentiment for political gain.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
The United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, lifting what Damascus says was the last major impediment to investing in the country as Washington deepens ties to the new Syrian government.

— Reuters, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of deepens

Verb

Research also suggested that traveling together strengthens family bonds, and experiencing new cultures firsthand helps children expand their worldview.

— Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Antimony strengthens ammunition and armor and supports military technologies, including night-vision systems and flares.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of strengthens

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steps out

steps up

step up

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

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Synonyms of steps up

verb

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