stepping up

verb

present participle of step up
as in intensifying
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 stepping up Officers are stepping up patrols in the area during the nighttime hours, police said. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 13 June 2026 Every kid grows up dreaming of playing on their hometown team in a big playoff game, stepping up in the most crucial of moments. — Staff Report, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026 Already, countries are stepping up inspections for test-takers. — John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026 Sunway has been stepping up investments in Singapore in recent years. — Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 The gunman, who had the hood of his sweatshirt cinched over his face, was caught on video stepping up and shooting Herrera in the left side of the head at point-blank range. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026 Atkinson, who was Providence’s only returning starter from last season, has been thrilled about Webb stepping up and being another senior leader on a young team. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026 Some suggested military escorts for fuel trucks while others urged stepping up strikes on Ukrainian bridges, fuel storage sites and other infrastructure. — ABC News, 11 June 2026 Reese Hogan, of Christian institution Crean Lutheran High School, went viral for stepping up to the top spot on the podium after Hernandez stepped down from it in the exact same round in 2025. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
  1. intensifying
  2. deepening
  3. enhancing
  4. heightening
  5. strengthening
Verb
  • Brown was the subject of rampant trade rumors in recent weeks, with those intensifying after the Celtics’ attempt to flip him for Giannis Antetokounmpo failed.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
  • By expanding in Houston suburbs and the Rio Grande Valley, Sam’s Club is intensifying competition with Costco, BJ’s and local grocers for membership dollars.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of intensifying
Verb
  • Trump later dropped it, but still threatened tariffs against those who opposed his grab — deepening the rift.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • Europe’s strategic periphery is not only integral to European security but is actively deepening transatlantic tensions and sharpening intra-European divisions.
    — Galip Dalay, Time, 7 July 2026
Definition of deepening
Verb
  • This approach is crucial for mitigating downsides and enhancing the benefits of AI for societal mental well-being.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • In addition to its instant, complexion-enhancing tint, the formula contains skin care ingredients lauded for their smoothing, quenching properties.
    — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 30 June 2026
Definition of enhancing
Verb
  • The editing rhythms are clipped and almost metronomically precise; individual scenes feel less composed than synthesized from an array of swift, gestural fragments—a hand on a doorknob, a face at the window—which have the effect of heightening your attention.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, more companies are laying off workers and investing in AI instead, heightening concerns about the technology's impact on jobs.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of heightening
Verb
  • Yes, rucking can improve posture by strengthening the upper back, shoulders and core muscles that hold your spine upright.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
  • Machine learning systems can identify suspicious patterns and behavioral anomalies in real time, strengthening both fraud prevention and member protection.
    — Ravi Gedela, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of strengthening

Browse Nearby Words

stepping out
stepping up
steps
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Cite this Entry

“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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