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
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Recent Examples of stepped up
Executive vps Ryan Brown, Jessica Sinn and Justin Zambuto stepped up to lead the company day-to-day after Horne exited, and all three will now report to Henchman.
—
Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
In fact, Moscow has recently stepped up its offensive and on Sunday launched its biggest air attack on Ukraine, hitting a key government building.
—Silvia Amaro, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
More Michael Owens/Getty Images Buffalo's defense, which had been getting gashed all night long, stepped up in a major way.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
While Todd and Julie were in prison, Savannah stepped up to parent their other minor children - Grayson, 18, and Chloe, 12.
—Ryan Coleman September 2, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Taliban call for international assistance The Taliban have appealed to the world for more aid to support relief efforts, but so far, few countries have stepped up.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Jackson has attracted interest from Premier League clubs while RB Leipzig have stepped up talks over re-signing Nkunku.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
It’s inspired by street food, but stepped up with the kind of creativity and flair that are bubbling throughout Panama City.
—Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Ukraine, for its part, has stepped up long-range drone attacks on Russian oil depots and refineries, which could drive up the cost of fuel for Russians.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
In fact, Moscow has recently stepped up its offensive and on Sunday launched its biggest air attack on Ukraine, hitting a key government building.
—Silvia Amaro, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
More Michael Owens/Getty Images Buffalo's defense, which had been getting gashed all night long, stepped up in a major way.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
While Todd and Julie were in prison, Savannah stepped up to parent their other minor children - Grayson, 18, and Chloe, 12.
—Ryan Coleman September 2, EW.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Taliban call for international assistance The Taliban have appealed to the world for more aid to support relief efforts, but so far, few countries have stepped up.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Jackson has attracted interest from Premier League clubs while RB Leipzig have stepped up talks over re-signing Nkunku.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
It’s inspired by street food, but stepped up with the kind of creativity and flair that are bubbling throughout Panama City.
—Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Ukraine, for its part, has stepped up long-range drone attacks on Russian oil depots and refineries, which could drive up the cost of fuel for Russians.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped up
Verb
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Chinese policymakers have intensified efforts aimed at reining in excessive price cuts that have eroded corporate profits while doing little to spur demand.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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Oli's government lifted the ban after protests intensified on Monday, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters trying to storm parliament.—
Gopal Sharma,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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According to the statement, with the backing of PAI, Marcolin has broadened its international reach and enhanced operational efficiency, reinforcing itself as a leading player in the wholesale eyewear market.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
5 Sep. 2025
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There will be enhanced medical and sports science areas.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Opened in 1946, the diner was the first in the city to hire African Americans in front-of-house roles during a time when racial tensions were heightened, and its inclusive legacy has lived on.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
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Utilities are reduced in phases, while security is often heightened and maintenance pared down to essentials.—
Kristin Mueller,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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On the product front, the brand has deepened its footprint in skin care and broadened laterally into makeup hybrids.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
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What might otherwise be a straightforward creepy historical novel is deepened by these uncanny phrasings, and Ravn’s attention to the social bonds in this world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The past month has renewed conversations about home rule, which many Democrats believe should be strengthened.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
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These examples show that more protections need to be established and strengthened, advocates say.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Last month, West Virginia’s attorney general asked that the cases be consolidated and considered together by the same judge.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
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Smaller farmers were the norm, whereas today much of our agricultural industry has been consolidated to mega corporations that care first and foremost about churning out supply.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stepped up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20up. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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