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.

With the U.S. facing elimination in the 2010 group stage, Donovan stepped up with a 91st-minute winner to keep his side in the tournament.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

U.S. crude oil inventories fell for a seventh consecutive week and product stocks were mixed as refineries stepped up their capacity use, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

This time, having been unable to contribute four years earlier, Drogba stepped up to coolly net the winning spot-kick and clinch Chelsea's first European crown.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Instead, the demonstrators interpreted the snub as a challenge and stepped up their efforts.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson