The term 'up the ante' is a phrase that means to increase the stakes or RAISE the level of competition. In a crossword puzzle, the solutions for this phrase are REBID and RAISE. REBID is an action taken in a game or bidding process when a player or bidder offers a higher bid than the previous one. RAISE is an action taken in a game or bidding process when a player or bidder increases the amount of money they are willing to bet.