step out

verb

stepped out; stepping out; steps out

intransitive verb

1

: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time

2

: to go or march at a vigorous or increased pace

3

: die

4

: to lead an active social life

5

: to be unfaithful

—usually used with on

had been stepping out on his wife

Synonyms of step out

• cheat
• screw around
• play (around)

Examples of step out in a Sentence

if she catches him stepping out on her, she'll divorce him without a moment's hesitation

my greedy relatives are only being nice to me because they expect me to step out any time now

Recent Examples on the Web

As that evolution takes hold, people step out of the role of human glue. — Bryan Goode, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

The red car then pulled up in front of the victim’s building, and the suspect, who police described as a heavyset woman dressed all in black, stepped out of the vehicle. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

The actor recently stepped out in comfortable and practical shoe that offers a subtle twist on the timeless ballet flat. — María Munsuri, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2026

Lauren Sánchez Bezos and Jeff Bezos stepped out for a state dinner at the White House on September 24. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for step out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

step out

verb

: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time