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

• 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

In lockstep with Google product and engineering teams, this organization helps businesses of all sizes across industries and geographies transform in the cloud, powered by artificial intelligence. —Matt Renner, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025

At a Congressional hearing on proxy advisors earlier this year, Rose said that more than 100 institutional investors voted in almost total lockstep with ISS or Glass Lewis recommendations in 2020. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025

Naturally, Johnson fell into immediate lockstep. —Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025

Unlike in March, the Democratic caucus in the House and Senate has managed to remain in lockstep. —Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 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