Definition of stepnext
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as in stage
an individual part of a process, series, or ranking the manual enumerates every step in the procedure for shutting down the assembly line

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot steps in the sand leading into the water and back out again

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in path
steps plural the direction along which something or someone moves their steps led them through a long corridor

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in inch
a very small distance or degree he lives just a step away from his elderly mother, so he's there if she needs him for any reason

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

step

2 of 2

verb

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of step
Noun
The phone on the wall rang, and Rebecca snatched the receiver, then pulled the curly cord down the steps to the basement and shut the door. Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026 Moving toward commercialization The technology has already taken its first step toward industrial deployment. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
After the Twins intentionally walked Julio Rodríguez, Raleigh hit a sharp grounder to first baseman Royce Lewis, who stepped on first for the out. ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Its sweeping wooden exterior has made Oodi one of the Finnish capital’s architectural landmarks, yet the building becomes more interesting after stepping inside and seeing how residents use it. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • With an international wedding on the horizon, old friendships are tested, relationships evolve, and everyone is forced to confront what growing up really means.
    Peter White, Deadline, 31 July 2026
  • Many of her events cost $15 or less, and Torres offers discounts or other financial support for women who want to attend but don’t have the financial means to.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Two stages — one outdoor and one indoor — will host 11 performances and demonstrations throughout the day.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Brian Henson’s adventurous stage show featuring improv and sketch comedy with the iconic Henson puppets and puppeteers is back for a limited eight-performance run.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Smarter robot footsteps Quadruped robots are becoming increasingly common in industries ranging from warehouse automation to industrial inspection and search-and-rescue.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The 13-year-old previously attended Lambrook School, Windsor, alongside his brother and sister but will now follow in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Prince Harry, at the prestigious all-boys boarding school.
    Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • New Zealand’s biosecurity minister has warned that the country will follow a similar path, should a widespread outbreak occur.
    Todd Symons, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The incident also demonstrated that models can potentially identify and exploit novel attack paths without direct access to an organization’s source code.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Bertha is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches with isolated higher totals to 6 inches through Thursday along the central Gulf Coast from western Florida through southern Louisiana.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Goodall uses one-inch foam underlay beneath his rings — a specification that has since become mandatory for professional boxing in Britain.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • This was on full display last September when Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walked side by side at a military parade in Beijing – a show of unity among authoritarians.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Beth Sightler walked me around her working-class neighborhood in the Old North End.
    Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The countless repetitions give you the most beautiful art form where swans glide, fairies dance and every year a giant nutcracker appears.
    Chrissie Leong, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • Incorporating the orange hues and color palette of the album, the video spotlights individuals from various walks of life dancing together to the title track of the record.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Just bearing witness to the marketing for all these murder-mysteries is enough to make any discerning viewer desperate for Hollywood to hurry up and start chasing the next trend already.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 July 2026
  • Wilson arced a left-footed pass into the perfect space for the Italian, whose shot was hurried and saved by Arthur Okonkwo.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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