lockstep

noun, often attributive

lock·step | \ˈläk-ˌstep

Definition of lockstep

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

in lockstep

: in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison politicians marching in lockstep with the party line

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about lockstep

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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

Mexico’s once-lockstep politics dominated by the presidency ended long ago. — Dudley Althaus, Washington Post, "Here’s what you need to know about Mexico’s presidential election," 1 July 2018 But for the first time in months, the Warriors' two MVPs played in terrifying lockstep in Game 2. — Ben Golliver, SI.com, "Steph Curry and Kevin Durant Put Their Tug-of-War Behind Them," 4 June 2018 The Trump and Netanyahu governments are moving in lockstep in defining Iran as a common enemy, setting a combative course as new tensions rise in the region. — Felicia Schwartz, WSJ, "Trump and Netanyahu Aligned Against Iran as Tensions Soar," 11 May 2018 Indians 2 Twins Twins 3 White Sox White Sox 4 Royals Royals 5 Tigers Tigers The two are in lockstep in the division from the Cleveland Indians winning the division for the third straight year to the hometown Tigers finishing in last place. — Dana Sulonen, Detroit Free Press, "MLB predictions: Choosing league winners, postseason teams and awards," 27 Mar. 2018 And now Neil Gorsuch, chosen by the Federalist Society as well, has gone to the bench, is voting in lockstep on the Republican conservative side. — NBC News, "Meet the Press - July 8, 2018," 8 July 2018 Despite their key role in delivering the party’s endorsement to Ned Lamont for governor, New Haven Mayor Toni Harp and the state Senate’s top Democrat Martin Looney aren’t in lockstep with him on the lieutenant governor’s race. — Neil Vigdor, courant.com, "Toni Harp And Martin Looney Not On The Same Page As Ned Lamont on LG race," 30 May 2018 To Perra, that’s about the idea that not everyone needs to be in lockstep on policies and strategies. — Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, "The royal wedding made Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry a superstar. Can the religious left translate that into political change?," 25 May 2018 Public drug use, increased risk of violence and, yes, human waste on the streets in this one party, lockstep town. — Fox News, "President Trump puts NATO on notice," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lockstep.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.