lockstep

noun

lock·​step ˈläk-ˌstep How to pronounce lockstep (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of lockstepnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cabello now stands as the undisputed heir to the Chavista movement, with López and the nation's military muscle seemingly in lockstep, yet the Venezuelan Armed Forces seemingly put up no resistance of any kind to the operation. David Unsworth, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026 Former Panthers president and CEO Matt Caldwell (now with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx) and Marlins president of business operations Caroline O’Connor were in lockstep on trying to make this a reality. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026 Trump and Netanyahu on Monday were in lockstep during their after-meeting news conference, The Hill’s Filip Timotija and Colin Meyn report. Jonathan Carter, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2025 Rather than forcing sensors to operate in perfect lockstep, MASI allows each one to measure light independently. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lockstep

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lockstep was in 1787

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Cite this Entry

“Lockstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lockstep. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

lockstep

noun
lock·​step -ˌstep How to pronounce lockstep (audio)
: a way of marching in step in which the marchers are very close one behind the other
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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