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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 steps up 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 OpenAI chief Sam Altman will be attending the G7 conference in France later this month, CNBC has learned, as President Emmanuel Macron steps up efforts to court tech leaders across the globe in support of the country’s AI ambitions. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 3 June 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 How many more people must die before someone steps up to the plate and puts a stop to it? — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026 Frank and Leaf planted a tree out front and treated the old ground-floor space, just a few steps up, as a studio. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 10 Mar. 2026 If a mostly inexperienced pitching staff steps up, the Trojans will be extremely dangerous by the time the playoffs roll around. — Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steps up
  1. enhances
  2. heightens
  3. intensifies
  4. deepens
  5. strengthens
Verb
  • That salt enhances and changes the overall flavor experience.
    — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Giving deputies immediate access to behavioral health resources improves outcomes, enhances safety and connects people with long-term support instead of unnecessary incarceration.
    — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhances
Verb
  • The beauty of this maxi dress is that it’s intentionally crinkled, with an airy feel that heightens its rich-looking design.
    — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
  • That heightens buyer enthusiasm and makes the whole process more addictive.
    — Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2026
Definition of heightens
Verb
  • This move intensifies existing rivalries, notably with the Boston Celtics following the Jaylen Brown trade.
    — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • The president addressed a smaller, heavily secured gathering Friday as his administration intensifies its legal and rhetorical attacks on journalists.
    — Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 24 July 2026
Definition of intensifies
Verb
  • South Korea's policy shift comes as North Korea deepens its ties with Moscow and Beijing.
    — Se Eun Gong, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Communities will debate whether AI improves access to knowledge or deepens dependence on a few private platforms.
    — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of deepens
Verb
  • Reducing risk over several years not only strengthens your negotiating position but also creates a healthier, more resilient company.
    — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Supporting our employees reduces burnout, improves retention, strengthens decision-making and helps ensure exceptional service for Washington County residents.
    — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of strengthens

Browse Nearby Words

steps out
steps up
step up
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Cite this Entry

“Steps up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steps%20up. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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