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

• drill
• grind
• groove
• pattern
• rote
• routine
• rut
• treadmill

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

But Beijing understands that the U.S. can’t sideline its giant, rapidly growing economy without strong allies working in lockstep around the globe. —William Pesek, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

From similar lock screens to being in lockstep, Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie have long been known to share a tight bond. —Janine Henni, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025

While some counties have chosen to collaborate fully with ICE, others, like Winneshiek County in Iowa, are resisting total lockstep with the federal agency in these partnerships. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

Democrats can do little to stop the plan, except by forcing Republicans to vote nearly in lockstep to pass it. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 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