1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
took steps to ensure that there would be no more incidences of food poisoning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in stage
an individual part of a process, series, or ranking
the manual enumerates every step in the procedure for shutting down the assembly line
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
5
as in inch
a very small distance or degree
he lives just a step away from his elderly mother, so he's there if she needs him for any reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to walk
to go on foot
I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to dance
to perform a series of usually rhythmic bodily movements to music
she was in her element, happily stepping around the dance floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to hurry
to proceed or move quickly
many people wanted to linger before the president's bier, but guards kept the line of mourners stepping forward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of step
Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2025
The first group proved faster and more effective at proposing next steps.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Love needs to step his game up.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
In response, Uber has taken steps to match female drivers with female riders whenever possible.
—Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2025
The first group proved faster and more effective at proposing next steps.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
Now, decades later, Sarandon appears content having stepped away from Hollywood, turning his attention to more personal passions.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Love needs to step his game up.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
The hijacking of the sport and the community institutions that built it, by noxious forces using it for their own means.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Explaining banknotes’ appeal, the European Central Bank study says that in moments of acute stress the public sees cash as a reliable store of value and a resilient means of payment.—
Olesya Dmitracova,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Fireworks spouted directly beyond the stage where the president and others spoke, which had online critics questioning the need for them.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Helleson was paired with his buddy since the nascent stages of elementary school, LaCombe, presumably with Helleson being the stay-at-home partner for the Ducks’ leading scorer from the blue line last year.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Her background is in conservation, marine biology and ecology, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, John McConnell, founder and creator of Earth Day.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
26 Sep. 2025
-
His oldest son, Jack, has followed in his footsteps and plays competitive football, alongside track and basketball.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The city of Miami is on the verge of settling a court fight over a jumbo digital billboard looming over the downtown waterfront, potentially easing the path for similar advertising structures to go up nearby.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
24 Sep. 2025
-
His path was enriched by mentorship and lessons, including advice from NBA superstars LeBron James and Chris Paul during elite summer camps in college.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The 5-foot-1-inch singer with a very big voice is due to give birth to her first child, a girl, in two weeks.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The 1-inch block heel provides a slight height boost while remaining as easy to walk in as flats.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If the value is too high, buyers may walk or struggle to get a loan.—
Mary Beth Eastman,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
-
From dancers to rappers, there were 10 finalists going into the America's Got Talent finale hoping to walk away with the grand prize.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The inclusion of the Mumfords and Scottish step-dancing trad folkies Breabach kept the bill from being a full-on Nashville diaspora.—
Adam Gold,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Sequins, rhinestones, and that dazzling aqua-orange palette are practically begging to be worn, danced in, and yes, painted right onto our nails.—
Abby Dupes,
Allure,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Jarda hurried over with a large beer and a vodka and set them in front of her.—
Zuzana Říhová,
Literary Hub,
26 Sep. 2025
-
That's why Amazon shoppers are hurrying to grab a soft and fluffy comforter for fall.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share