Step-up — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈstep-ˌəp/

Meaning & Definition of Step-up

Step-up (noun)

  1. an increase or advance (as in size or amount) and especially one that is gradual or incremental

Step-up (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something added (as by growth)

    "there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered"

    similar: accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, expansion, gain, increase, increment, more, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement, uptick
    related: accumulation, assemblage, collection, gathering, complement, accession, appendix, continuation, extension, uptrend, upturn, jump, run-up, spike
    opposite: abatement, decline, decrease, decrement, depletion, diminishment, diminution, drop-off, fall, falloff, lessening, loss, lowering, reduction, shrinkage, step-down
    near: deduction, subtraction

Related Entry: Step up (verb)

Step up is a different word from Step-up. The synonyms below are for step up, not for step-up.

  1. to make markedly greater in measure or degree

    "candidates stepping up their campaigns as election day draws near"

    "stepped up the pace to catch up with the others"

    similar: accentuate, amp (up), amplify, beef (up), boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify, redouble, strengthen
    related: broaden, enlarge, expand, extend, lengthen, accelerate, hasten, quicken, emphasize, point (up), sharpen, stress, augment, enforce, reinforce, restrengthen, supplement, maximize, enliven, jazz (up), aggravate, exacerbate
    opposite: abate, moderate
    near: decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), reduce, subdue, tone (down), weaken, dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane, alleviate, ease, lighten

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Step-up

The most common words with a similar meaning to Step-up:

accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, expansion, gain, increase, increment, more, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement, uptick

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Step-up

Words with the opposite meaning of Step-up:

abatement, decline, decrease, decrement, depletion, diminishment, diminution, drop-off, fall, falloff, lessening, loss, lowering, reduction, shrinkage, step-down

Related Words for Step-up

accumulation, assemblage, collection, gathering, complement, accession, appendix, continuation, extension, uptrend, upturn, jump, run-up, spike

Near Antonyms of Step-up

deduction, subtraction

Word Forms of Step-up

Inflections: step-ups, step ups

Origin & Etymology of Step-up

First known use: 1879

Frequently Asked Questions about Step-up

What does "Step-up" mean?

"Step-up" means an increase or advance (as in size or amount) and especially one that is gradual or incremental. As a noun, it is defined as: an increase or advance (as in size or amount) and especially one that is gradual or incremental.

What is another word for "Step-up"?

Other words for "Step-up" include accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, expansion and gain. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Step-up" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Step-up"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Step-up". Common alternatives include accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, expansion, gain, increase and increment.

What is the opposite of "Step-up"?

Antonyms of "Step-up" include abatement, decline, decrease, decrement, depletion, diminishment, diminution and drop-off. Near antonyms include deduction and subtraction.

How do you use "Step-up" in a sentence?

Examples of "Step-up" in a sentence: "there's been a step-up in productivity since regular breaks were offered".

Is "Step-up" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Step-up" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Step-up"?

"Step-up" is pronounced /ˈstep-ˌəp/.

What is the origin of the word "Step-up"?

First known use: 1879.