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
Synonyms
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
Futures markets suggest that the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England could move practically in lockstep next year to ease monetary policy.
—
Chelsey Dulaney, WSJ, 15 Nov. 2023
The last-minute scramble reflects the collision of two of Biden's chief goals: countering China and marching in lockstep with labor unions.
—Jeff Stein and Tyler Pager The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 13 Nov. 2023
The last-minute scramble reflects the collision of two of Biden’s chief goals: countering China and marching in lockstep with labor unions.
—Tyler Pager, Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2023
Additionally, some Republicans who still make up north Fulton County’s electoral majority have never marched in lockstep with Trump and the tea party, a movement that opposes the Washington political establishment and espouses conservative and libertarian philosophy.
—Bill Barrow, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2023
Even so, mortgage rates have climbed this year almost in lockstep with the Fed raising its benchmark rate.
—Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2023
Republicans are making inroads with Latinos, many of whom are assimilated and hold views about undocumented immigrants that are more in lockstep with conservatives than with Democrats.
—Jp Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023
Beyond the ties to one of fashion’s most iconic names, the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel continues to evolve its offerings in lockstep with the fashion of the times, while also maintaining its illustrious position as a legendary granddame.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 29 Sep. 2023
But officials from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, the three companies active in the commercial human spaceflight arena, were in lockstep during a Senate hearing.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 20 Oct. 2023
See More
Chelsey Dulaney, WSJ, 15 Nov. 2023
The last-minute scramble reflects the collision of two of Biden's chief goals: countering China and marching in lockstep with labor unions.
—Jeff Stein and Tyler Pager The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 13 Nov. 2023
The last-minute scramble reflects the collision of two of Biden’s chief goals: countering China and marching in lockstep with labor unions.
—Tyler Pager, Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2023
Additionally, some Republicans who still make up north Fulton County’s electoral majority have never marched in lockstep with Trump and the tea party, a movement that opposes the Washington political establishment and espouses conservative and libertarian philosophy.
—Bill Barrow, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2023
Even so, mortgage rates have climbed this year almost in lockstep with the Fed raising its benchmark rate.
—Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2023
Republicans are making inroads with Latinos, many of whom are assimilated and hold views about undocumented immigrants that are more in lockstep with conservatives than with Democrats.
—Jp Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023
Beyond the ties to one of fashion’s most iconic names, the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel continues to evolve its offerings in lockstep with the fashion of the times, while also maintaining its illustrious position as a legendary granddame.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 29 Sep. 2023
But officials from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, the three companies active in the commercial human spaceflight arena, were in lockstep during a Senate hearing.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 20 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lockstep.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing lockstep
Dictionary Entries Near lockstep
Cite this Entry
“Lockstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lockstep. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
lockstep
noun
lock·step
-ˌstep
: a way of marching in step in which the marchers are very close one behind the other
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