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
see also in lockstep
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
In 2024, in lockstep with the United States and President Joe Biden, Canada had imposed a 100% tariff on cars from China, essentially an embargo.
—
Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
These positions put him in lockstep with progressive interest groups but are well to the left of most Democrats, to say nothing of swing voters.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
After working in political lockstep for more than a year, the crypto industry is now facing a rupture as key leaders—including the influential venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)—express support for the same bill after the Senate Banking Committee delayed a key vote last week.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
Minnesota’s ticket prices plummeted over the previous two decades, in lockstep with the team’s performance.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lockstep
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Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
These positions put him in lockstep with progressive interest groups but are well to the left of most Democrats, to say nothing of swing voters.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
After working in political lockstep for more than a year, the crypto industry is now facing a rupture as key leaders—including the influential venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)—express support for the same bill after the Senate Banking Committee delayed a key vote last week.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
Minnesota’s ticket prices plummeted over the previous two decades, in lockstep with the team’s performance.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lockstep
Cite this Entry
“Lockstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lockstep. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lockstep
noun
lock·step
-ˌstep
: a way of marching in step in which the marchers are very close one behind the other
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