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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Recent Examples of stepping up
Now, the president is stepping up immigration enforcement.
—
Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
Bennett has shown the knack for stepping up on the biggest stages.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
Jose goes above and beyond to support others, whether by mentoring younger students, volunteering in school activities, or stepping up to help classmates in need.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Before stepping up to assistant chief, Hennie was the captain of the Central Business Section, which includes Downtown and Mount Adams.
—Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Oct. 2025
With Netflix stepping up to the third-quarter earnings plate after the market close on Tuesday, Kpop characters Rumi, Mira and Zoey are expected to be MVPs.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2025
At the time, Saunders praised Kelce for stepping up during the big moment.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Thanks to agents stepping up, the truth is coming out.
—Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Kurt's key takeaways Apple Watch is stepping up in a big way.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping up
Verb
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Syrian government and Kurdish forces accuse each other of targeting civilians and hospitals, intensifying humanitarian concerns amid the military standoff.—
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All those factors have created a dynamic in Congress in which the potency of Republican dissent is intensifying, especially amid the approaching midterm elections, which historically spell trouble for the party in power.—
Verb
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But there were bright spots, too, including awe-inspiring concerts; trips to different cities and countries; and deepening friendships over card games, meals and dancing until the wee hours.—
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Anjula Acharia is deepening her partnership with Warner Music Group, launching a new management entity under the 5 Junction umbrella less than a year after establishing the label.—
Verb
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The administration has quietly directed diplomats to press allies on restricting inflows, enhancing deportation mechanisms, and ending policies perceived as favoring migrants over citizens.—
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While achieving a rugged look, the fiber retains the signature softness and high moisture-regulating properties characteristic of TENCEL™ Lyocell, enhancing wearer comfort.—
Verb
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Adding to American pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared support for Iranian protesters, likely heightening paranoia in Tehran.—
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China is heightening scrutiny over tech deals involving US companies as Beijing ramps up domestic industries.—
Verb
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving was founded in 1980 by Candy Lightner and has succeeded in strengthening DUI laws across the nation.—
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His work focuses on expanding access, strengthening global engagement, and creating practical pathways that can help institutions connect with learners across borders.—
Cite this Entry
“Stepping up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20up. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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