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.

Iran has stepped-up its attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz, effectively shutting the world’s most important energy transport route.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Police departments across the region have pointed to a pattern of speeding, red light violations, and minors riding illegal electric motorcycles, and several cities have responded with new ordinances and stepped-up enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

For months, the administration has been tightening the rules, starting with stepped-up enforcement of English-proficiency requirements for truckers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Sunday’s operation capped more than a year of stepped-up action against Mexico’s cartels by the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who was sworn in a few months before President Trump took office.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

Those stepped-up energies can then be projected in a tight or fanned beam at will.

From A Gift For Terra by Holden, Fox B.