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.

Other countries such as Brazil, Venezuela and Angola also stepped up.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The previous laggards — staples, utilities, and technology — then stepped up to outperform.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

PSG, known for their ability to press intensely and often in a man-to-man fashion, stepped up to Arsenal as they looked to build out from the back.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Gabriel stepped up needing to score to keep his team alive.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

As I left the building, a workman in a blue cap and blue overalls stepped up to me.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom