stepped up

verb

Definition of stepped upnext
past tense of step up
as in intensified
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 stepped up It should be pointed out that Machado has stepped up to take plenty of blame in 2026. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026 The latest attack by Russia comes as Kyiv has stepped up long-range drone strikes in Russia. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 July 2026 Top England scorer Harry Kane stepped up with two decisive goals that helped his team advance. — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Egypt had lost their past four penalty shootouts before Salah and his team-mates stepped up to face substitute goalkeeper Mat Ryan. — Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Mbappé stepped up in the 70th minute and duly converted for his seventh goal of the tournament – overtaking Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race due to his assist total. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 Ukraine has stepped up its long-range aerial attacks on Russian military industries and energy facilities, aiming to cut Moscow’s revenue for the war and make Russians feel the consequences of the invasion, now in its fifth year. — ABC News, 27 June 2026 The National Association of Secretaries of State, which has long been a place for secretaries to discuss election security threats, has stepped up its efforts this year, said spokesman John Milhofer. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 June 2026 This week, Jennifer Lopez stepped up her style game for the New York City premiere of her new Netflix romantic comedy Office Romance, and Kerry Washington sparkled in gold at the 2026 Gotham TV Awards — and that's just the beginning. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped up
  1. intensified
  2. enhanced
  3. heightened
  4. deepened
  5. strengthened
  6. consolidated
Verb
  • Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure ‌this year, causing fuel shortages in parts of Russia.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • Gymshark’s growth has slowed as competition has intensified and consumers have become more cautious about spending.
    — Robert Olsen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of intensified
Verb
  • Even more than Stinnerbom’s cardamom bun — which some praise as the best in Oslo — the more elemental cinnamon notes, enhanced with lemon zest and juice, allow the sourdough’s multifaceted dimensions to come through.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Testing at the end of the three-month period showed that those in the formal learning group had enhanced memory and processing speed compared to the control group.
    — Amanda Gardner, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026
Definition of enhanced
Verb
  • The result is a looming structural deficit that will lead to higher prices, greater reliance on higher emitting alternatives in some regions, and heightened geopolitical risk for importing nations.
    — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • San Jose Fire Chief Robert Sapien warned that fire dangers are especially heightened this season.
    — Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 1 July 2026
Definition of heightened
Verb
  • Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Iranians and Mexicans also deepened a bond, as Tijuana embraced the team throughout its visit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Definition of deepened
Verb
  • Away from social media, the roommates have settled into simple traditions that have only strengthened their friendship.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Flag football’s prolific growth has strengthened the sport at every amateur level from peewees to the Olympics and led to the NFL’s $32 million commitment for men’s and women’s professional flag leagues to debut next year.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of strengthened
Verb
  • In the 2000s, Bloomberg consolidated the various agencies into a one-stop shop for navigating city government.
    — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
  • The lawsuits were consolidated into one suit in January 2025.
    — Tonya Simpson, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Definition of consolidated

Browse Nearby Words

stepped out
stepped up
steppes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stepped up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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