Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After years of limited actions, dozens of lawmakers are now touting new proposals to regulate artificial-intelligence models that have stepped up their capabilities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
In the meantime, people in the community have stepped in to help.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
Governments have stepped up an array of measures to counter the informal sector, ranging from the more repressive, such as demolition and seizure of merchandise, to supporting workers through training or moving services online.
From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026
And if someone saw me struggling, I would hope that someone would also have stepped in to help me.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
Whatever it was that had held him down must have stepped off his back.
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
