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

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

Naturally, Johnson fell into immediate lockstep. —Mark Z. Barabak, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025

Athletic director Scott Barnes and president Jayathi Murthy have been in lockstep trying to navigate this new terrain as well as possible, but the conference change has undoubtedly impacted the trajectory of everything. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 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