STEP-UPS Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

step-ups

noun

variants or step ups

plural of step-up

as in increases

something added (as by growth) there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered

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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-ups Exercises like squats, step-ups, and sit-to-stands can help strengthen your hips and legs. — Rikkilynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 28 June 2026 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 exercise program involved two group exercise classes per week, including 30 minutes of intervals on an exercise bike, then 15 minutes of circuit training (step-ups, boxing, squats, kettlebells, and so on). — Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026 Examples include air squats, step-ups, push-ups, and dips. — Jenny McCoy, SELF, 8 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-ups

Noun

Russia's small and medium businesses already have been hit hard by tax increases, regulatory hurdles and, most recently, a fuel crisis from attacks on oil refineries.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Businesses without those controls may face exclusions, sublimits, premium increases or outright denials.

— Van Carlson, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of increases

Noun

Kinchens, entering Year 3, is one of the players on the Rams' defense who could benefit most from the team's offseason additions.

— Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
The idea is less frozen-in-time theme hotel and more modern luxury resort, and the latest room refreshes and restaurant additions have gotten it almost there.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of additions

Noun

That includes boosts from socialist Donavan McKinney, who is running for Michigan’s 13th District, and Will Lawrence, who cross-endorsed with el Sayed and is running for Michigan’s 7th District.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026
While the Big Data + Panel tide raised pretty much every boat in the sports-TV waters, the year-to-year boosts notched by the likes of the NBA, NFL and NHL were likely a one-time phenomenon.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of boosts

Noun

Those small weekly gains could be the difference between winning and losing mini-leagues.

— Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
And today’s opportunity is to scale those gains thoughtfully, so these early pockets of progress deliver broader, more consistent impact along an end-to-end patient journey.

— Jeff DiLullo, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of gains

Browse Nearby Words

step-up

step-ups

stepwise

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“Step-ups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-ups. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of step-ups

noun

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