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

It had looked like Real Madrid would be his next destination but La Liga rivals Barcelona stepped up their efforts to complete the signing in recent days.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

Security had been stepped up in the area after the influx and amid suggestions on social media of a second mass crossing attempt this weekend.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

The firm, along with fellow Chinese tech titans Baidu and Alibaba, has stepped up spending on AI products in recent years.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

And it was former Oregon and Chargers cornerback Nikko Reed who stepped up to the plate and guided Pleasant through his first two years of Power Four football.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

When he was finished, Frank stepped up to him.

From "A Monster of a Mystery (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #5)" by Franklin W. Dixon