Definitions

stepped up

[stept-uhp] / ˈstɛptˈʌp /

VERB

accelerate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

boost escalate hasten improve increase intensify quicken raise speed

WEAK

augment hurry lift shake up speed up up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

decrease diminish halt hurt lessen lower slow weaken

WEAK

decelerate hinder

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

stepped up

Since then, Colombia has stepped up air assaults and authorized joint military operations with the United States.

From Barron's ● Sep. 8, 2026

Ultimately, the Spanish club offered him a bigger package than they had done before Arsenal's interest stepped up.

From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026

The Securities and Exchange Commission has stepped up its examinations of firms behind so-called special purpose vehicles that purport to offer exposure to private company investments, Corrie Driebusch reports in an exclusive.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

Investors significantly stepped up expectations for a rate hike in September following the speech.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

For the second time that day I felt Regan’s shoulder pressed against mine as we stepped up onto the thick metal disk.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin