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

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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

Local mosquito abatement districts are stepping up surveillance and treatment efforts, targeting standing water and other mosquito hotspots to help reduce the risk of transmission. — James Ward, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Replacing that production will require multiple players to step up, something Riley believes the offense has prepared for since spring practice. — Haddy Barghouti, Mercury News, 6 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 — Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026 The federal estate tax was effectively repealed for those who died in 2010 as a result of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, although executors could elect to apply the estate tax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

The end of the men’s World Cup and subsequent drama at FIFA (that keeps getting messier) have only intensified that feeling this year.

— Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
The government has intensified firefighting efforts across Sumatra and Borneo islands, deploying more than 35 aircraft including water-bombing helicopters and patrol airplanes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of intensify

Noun

But, a number of studies have found similar connections between an increase in green spaces — especially trees that don't block residents' views — and a reduction in violence.

— Tara Molina, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Economists’ estimated monthly employment gains of 95,000 jobs would mark an increase from June’s lower-than-expected 57,000 jobs added.

— Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Finally, the weather forecast is warm in Philadelphia, with the wind slightly blowing out to right field, further enhancing the chances of Schwarber and Harper hitting home runs.

— Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Hypersonic launch capabilities enhance the new Virginia class further, analysts said, noting that testing of a hypersonic glide vehicle is well underway.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of enhance

Noun

Both Kiggans and Luria come from military backgrounds, which could be a boost, given that the seat has a large veteran population due to nearby Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base.

— Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
Launching from an aircraft can also extend the missile’s effective reach, since the bomber provides an initial boost in both altitude and speed before release.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of boost

Noun

There were job gains in other categories, including health care, but the bureau said that the 22,000 positions added were at a slower pace than in previous months.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
Last month, Jim Reid, Deutsche Bank Research Institute’s global head of macro and thematic research, warned AI productivity gains were still years away.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of gain

Noun

Williams looks as dominant as ever in camp, albeit against defensive ends such as rookie Romello Height and Wednesday addition Ogba Okoronko.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
This addition comes a day after Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley revealed undrafted rookie defensive tackle Rene Konga will miss the season with an undisclosed injury.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of addition

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step up

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“Step up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20up. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of step up

verb

noun

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