Definitions

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.

See Examples For:

stepped up

As he stepped up to the baseline, Alexander Zverev could be forgiven for letting his mind slip back to the last time he served for the US Open title.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

The agency had already stepped up cost-cutting to pay down debts accrued during the pandemic, he added.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026

Earlier this week in Manhattan, a man stepped up to a microphone at a press conference.

From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2026

The company also signaled its commitment to shareholder returns, having recently stepped up its share buybacks, she adds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

I stepped up to the edge of the basin and gaped.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros