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.

The stepped-up operation is part of a multistage Pentagon plan to reduce the danger from Iranian armed boats, mines and cruise missiles, which have halted ship traffic through the waterway since early March.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

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

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

Shares were falling over 8% in extended trading Tuesday after the company came up short with its guidance and discussed stepped-up AI investments of its own.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

Nonetheless, revival in the European economies remains essential to stepped-up growth.

From The 2004 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency