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

Butler was in lockstep with his veteran teammates. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025

In response, the former vice president suggested her early position on the Israel-Hamas war was not in lockstep with the Joe Biden administration. —Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

The writer’s illness — tuberculosis of the larynx — is seen as a particularly cruel horror, albeit one in lockstep with his morbid imagination, which continued to work overtime. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025

Short-term Treasuries respond immediately; money market funds and 3-month bills move almost in lockstep. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 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