STEPPING UP Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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 stepping up House Speaker Mike Johnson traveled to Stockton on Wednesday to campaign for Republican Kevin Lincoln, stepping up GOP efforts to reclaim California's 13th Congressional District less than two weeks before the 2026 midterm election. — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Part of Comcast’s growth initiatives involve stepping up its push into wireless services and business services. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 Back at full-strength after injuries her first couple years in Atlanta … and really stepping up in the playoffs. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 This goes counter to Disney’s official stance, which is a flat denial that Covid had anything to do with one Bob stepping down and another stepping up. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026 That means the Horned Frogs’ younger receivers will be tasked with stepping up against an experienced secondary that has picked off quarterbacks four times this season. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026 The series — which serves as the final category for young drivers before stepping up to F1 and is owned by the F1 organization and sanctioned by the FIA — last introduced a new car in 2024. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Post Malone had some help with his proposal to stylist Christy Lee, with Angel City Jewelers stepping up to the plate to craft the perfect luxury engagement ring for the singer-rapper’s bride-to-be. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 At a moment when Washington is retreating from its responsibilities, New York is stepping up for vulnerable immigrant children. — Meena Shah, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up

Verb

Porsche's China sales have fallen sharply in recent years amid intensifying competition from brands such as BYD, Geely and Xiaomi.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Mose, a former Norwegian judge, said the intensifying attacks as this winter approaches raise serious concerns about the threats posed to civilians.

— Edith M. Lederer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensifying

Verb

David Roche, a veteran strategist at Quantum Strategy & Geonomics, said the Arctic's importance lies less in its potential to transform global shipping than in the deepening economic dependence between Russia and China.

— Lee Ying Shan,Matthew Tan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Over the weekend, political leaders from Marsabit County warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis that could overwhelm host communities already struggling with food and water shortages worsened by climate change.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of deepening

Verb

The finishing touch should be a shine-enhancing hair gloss to blend the blonde tones seamlessly into the brunette strands.

— Jacqueline Kilikita, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
The initiative was part of the retailer’s aim to support new talents and its increasing focus on enhancing its brand awareness globally.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of enhancing

Verb

The incidents are heightening concerns about female politicians’ safety and security in a country where lawmakers are highly accessible to the public.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
New shipping routes are opening, China is doing more trade through the Arctic region, and a Russian military buildup is also heightening security concerns.

— Lorne Cook, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of heightening

Verb

These questions shift technology governance from managing individual problems toward strengthening organizational adaptability.

— Chandini Sheeba, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Eizenkot has campaigned on restoring public trust in government, strengthening Israel’s security, and preserving its foundation as a Jewish democracy.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of strengthening

Browse Nearby Words

stepping out

stepping up

steps

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“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepping up

verb

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