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

Simultaneously, millions of highly skilled women who stepped out of the traditional workforce to raise children or provide eldercare are looking for a path back in, only to find closed doors and outdated recruitment filters. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Chase Sui Wonders steps out in bright florals for summer in New York City on July 31. — People Staff, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

After Romo stepped out of his car, the deputy grabbed his backpack. — David K. Li, NBC news, 31 July 2026

Hwang’s partner stepped out of the car to confront the man, who threw a punch. — Kansas City Star, 31 July 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