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.

Meanwhile, it is still rolling out new products, trying to stand out in the supermarket frozen aisle, and has stepped up efforts to clean up its finances and regulatory disclosures.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

But if Maatsen looked likely to receive freely, Pedro Porro stepped up from right-back.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

I sewed and quilted through adult life, but retirement has stepped up my game.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Reyes was the only one who stepped up.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

A short man in a white surgical mask stepped up and looked at Stockdale’s bloated, discolored limb.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin