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

Synonyms of lockstep

• 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

Thor is in lockstep with Martin on the safety of the event. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026

The two musicians bound into brilliant lockstep on At Source, intuitively intertwining and untangling in a dance with cat-and-mouse stakes and a boundless playing field. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 2026

Measles and rubella vaccines are given together, so rubella vaccination rates are dropping in lockstep with the decline in measles vaccination. —Helen Branswell, STAT, 2 Mar. 2026

The Court’s six justices appointed by Republican presidents don’t vote in lockstep. —Sarah Isgur, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lockstep

• in lockstep

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