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

Republicans have largely marched in lockstep, and a number of law firms and universities have acquiesced to his demands. —Arkansas Online, 28 Apr. 2025

Still, the legislation is tearing at GOP unity after weeks of the party acting in lockstep on Trump’s agenda. —David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 8 Apr. 2025

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

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