lockstep

noun

lock·​step ˈläk-ˌstep 

often attributive

1

: a mode of marching in step by a body of persons going one after another as closely as possible

2

: a standard method or procedure that is mindlessly adhered to or that minimizes individuality

Phrases

in lockstep

: in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison

politicians marching in lockstep with the party line

Synonyms

• routine
• grind

Examples of lockstep in a Sentence

followed the lockstep that had been in his family for generations: prep school, Ivy League university, job on Wall Street

Recent Examples on the Web

These diverse skill sets and perspectives must operate in lockstep in order to foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. —Vishaal Hariprasad, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

This work has continued in lockstep with the Council to coordinate future transfers. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Today’s environment is calling for CMOs to lead not just the marketing of their organizations, but the growth of their respective businesses, often doing so in lockstep directly with the CEO. —Billee Howard, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

Once the public betas begin, both developer and public beta builds are usually updated more or less in lockstep, though the developer betas are still usually available slightly earlier. —ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lockstep

• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep
• rep
• sep

Kids Definition

lockstep

noun

lock·​step -ˌstep 

: a way of marching in step in which the marchers are very close one behind the other