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
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 of step up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 9 Sep. 2024
Vier-ing toward experience Part of the Tigers’ success has resulted from players stepping up in new roles.
—Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2024
Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 23 June 2024
But in the Super 8 stage, there is a step-up in quality with only the best teams earning the right to progress.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for step up 
Verb
Catherine has always stepped up to the plate sartorially, looking sharp and polished at every royal event.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 9 Sep. 2024
Vier-ing toward experience Part of the Tigers’ success has resulted from players stepping up in new roles.
—Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2024
Noun
Marked down to $17, the top is a step-up from your typical T-shirt thanks to its cap sleeves, tuckable hemline, and boxy fit.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 23 June 2024
But in the Super 8 stage, there is a step-up in quality with only the best teams earning the right to progress.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for step up
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'step up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 18 Sep. 2024.
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