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

Republicans and Democrats divided on immigration Democrats were in lockstep on most issues related to immigration, including opposing Immigration & Customs Enforcement raids and supporting the sanctuary law that prohibits police from coordinating with the federal agency. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

Over the course of six games, you guys have been in lockstep with one another. —John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026

The branding policy would come with several caveats that are mostly in lockstep with other states. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026

And, Muller said, there is no assurance Republicans would march in lockstep behind a plan to prevent the seating of Democrats. —Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 1 May 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