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

The explorer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, and since then, he’s stepped out of the public eye. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Nov. 2026

When Veronica Etro stepped out of the limelight, leaving her role as creative director of Etro in 2022, a comeback to fashion wasn’t entirely off the table. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

The couple stepped out for the world premiere of Cage’s upcoming film Madden in California on November 4. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 Nov. 2026

The longtime friends stepped out in New York City for a girls’ night out following Kardashian’s appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers to promote the second season of All’s Fair, catching a late dinner and drinks at CUT. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 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