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.

AT&T’s free cash flow was $2.5 billion in the first quarter, down from $3.1 billion a year before, reflecting the company’s stepped-up investments.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Guterres called for stepped-up diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution and said his personal envoy, Jean Arnault, was travelling to the region to support them.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 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

But they include stepped-up identification checks at entry gates and random vehicle inspections, according to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

To reach this goal, deep-seated problems must be subjected to a stepped-up attack.

From State of the Union Address by Eisenhower, Dwight D. (Dwight David)