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.

Here, Lebanon's migrant workers, among those hit hardest by the fighting, have stepped up to support others in their community now struggling to get by.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

He said that young people stepped up during Covid, praising how "the generation least at risk gave up the most to help the rest of us keep safe".

From BBC • May 20, 2026

One recent Friday, Leonidas Georgiou, 36, stepped up to the kiosk, brimming with enthusiasm.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

During the pandemic, for instance, private lenders stepped up to supply credit to borrowers when others were pulling back, earning strong returns for doing so.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

I stepped up to the green and drew my first bowl.

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge