What does "step up" mean?

To increase, augment, or advance, especially by one or more steps.

What is a synonym for "step up"?

Common synonyms include: accelerando, accelerate, acceleration, accost, advance, aggravate.

verb

verb ·Moderate ·College level

Verb

1
To increase, augment, or advance, especially by one or more steps. idiomatic, transitive
"Near-synonym: level up"
2
To assume or take responsibility. idiomatic, intransitive
"Won't anyone step up to the challenge?"
3
increase in extent or intensity wordnet
4
speed up wordnet
5
make oneself visible; take action wordnet

"They will need to step up production if they are going to compete."

Ellipsis of step up to the plate (“take one's turn at bat, take responsibility”).