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.

In recent weeks, Kyiv, which has expanded its drone capabilities, has stepped up strikes on Moscow and deep inside Russia, hitting targets hundreds of miles from Ukraine.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

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

“At a time when thousands of Palisadians were in trauma, this guy stepped up to try to do something to help the community — to help his neighbors,” Cragg said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

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

From BBC • May 4, 2026

Ashmodai had stepped up onto the stage, leaving her baffled and confused in the aisle.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny