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

Johnson recently stepped out in Los Angeles wearing the ultimate cool-girl uniform. —Eva Thomas, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026

That’s what’s fun, sometimes, to step out of your comfort zone, however terrifying that can be. —Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026

Fear of stepping out of their houses, going to work, grocery shopping and even practicing their religion. —Yahya Salem, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026

Ted and Netflix have never stepped out and purchased anything, it has all been built in-house. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 17 Feb. 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