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

The heat supercharged the material’s ionic conductivity, smoothing out the current and forcing the lithium to march in perfect, uniform lockstep. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Simpson’s moves may be out of lockstep with state Republican lawmakers, who this year introduced scores of bills aiming to crack down on immigration and the people who hire some immigrants. — Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026

That disconnect may be confusing to consumers and investors who assume the stock market and economy mirror one another, moving in lockstep. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 10 July 2026

In my assessment, the homicide rate moved in near lockstep with trends in drug overdoses, alcohol consumption and firearm purchases, each of which increased by its largest margin in 2020. — James Tuttle, The Conversation, 9 July 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