Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some states are stepping in to address the issue.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
“We are stepping up patrols of the property to be safe,” Duron said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2026
Now independent medical groups are stepping up with their own recommendations, emphasizing the shots are safe and people who are eligible should get them.
From Salon ● Sep. 2, 2026
Encouraged by the Elon Musk-led company’s successes—and steadily climbing valuation—venture capitalists and private-market investors are stepping up bets on space startups, hoping to find the next breakout stars.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026
Noelle pops out of her room at 7:50, just as breakfast is rolling in and my parents are stepping out of the nurses’ office where they were signing papers.
From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini
