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

But stepping out of the Georgia prison proved not to be the end of the uphill battle the father of two faced after his wrongful conviction. — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

In honor of her bestie Taylor Swift's wedding with Travis Kelce on July 3, Gomez stepped out in a shimmering Oscar de la Renta dress dripping in crystals and gold fringe detailing. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026

The actor stepped out for a photo call in London earlier today (July 5), alongside her director Christopher Nolan and co-stars Zendaya, Tom Holland, Samantha Morton, and Lupita Nyong’o. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 July 2026

Lena Dunham was spotted in the back of an SUV, while producer Jack Antonoff was photographed by paparazzi stepping out in an oversized black blazer and matching slacks. — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 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