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
Emily Longeretta, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
According to Hartford Police Union president James Rutkauski, the second step of the grievance was done Monday as an appeal to Hartford Police Chief James Rovella for resolution.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026
Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
In doing so, the astronauts will cement their place in history and pave the way for the Artemis 4 mission to finally go back and land on our moon in late 2028, almost 60 years after astronauts last stepped foot there.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
The actor, a third-generation Angelino, grew up just north of Hollywood Boulevard and has taken thousands of steps over the stars on the Walk of Fame.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
According to Hartford Police Union president James Rutkauski, the second step of the grievance was done Monday as an appeal to Hartford Police Chief James Rovella for resolution.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
Per Sullivan has stepped away from acting since the original series ended, so Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will take over the role.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
In doing so, the astronauts will cement their place in history and pave the way for the Artemis 4 mission to finally go back and land on our moon in late 2028, almost 60 years after astronauts last stepped foot there.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
California is not unique, and housing is not the only means by which the older generations have effectively pulled up the ladder behind them.—
Idrees Kahloon,
The Atlantic,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Which is fortunate for Musselman, given there will be less means to lure players from the portal.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Shapiro, who was a finalist in Harris' search for a running mate in 2024, highlighted both his electability and his commitment to African American priorities while on stage.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
My interest in this goes back 10 or 15 years to when China was really starting to rise on the international stage and starting to contest global norms, global ideas, and going after the hearts and minds in places around the world.—
Fatma Tanis,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The pop star follows in the footsteps of Cynthia Erivo, who hosted the ceremony last year, and Ariana DeBose, who hosted for three years prior.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The University of Connecticut student, who had been studying dentistry to follow in his parents’ footsteps, died at Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus in August 2024 after being diagnosed with pancreatitis, dehydration, metabolic acidosis and alcohol withdrawal.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The fighting has carved a path of destruction from agricultural towns near the border to Beirut, killing more than 2,000 people and displacing in excess of 1 million others, according to Lebanese authorities.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
For years, Dean Potter stood atop the climbing world, attaining a mystique as a rebellious spirit who carved his own path up mountains and into the sky — through BASE jumping and wingsuit flying.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The storms are predicted to bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch).—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
-
That search led me to Amazon’s selection of chic pull-on pants suited to fit my 5-foot-3-inch frame.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Alex Vesia walked pinch-hitter Davis Schneider to load the bases, then retired the next three batters.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Smith had some hot and cold moments, striking out eight while walking five in 3 2/3 scoreless innings.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Nobody in my family liked to dance.—
Edie Kasten,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
People have always listened to dance music of all kinds by themselves, but even then, some notion of communal experience is usually in the mix—a memory of parties past, a fantasy of one to come.—
Mark Richardson,
Pitchfork,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But reflection on those few hours of celebration — that wild scramble to enjoy the moment, yet hurry to get everyone ready to go home — left the Dodgers envisioning one of the few things this contemporary dynasty has yet to accomplish.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
With insurance out of reach for growing millions, RAM will hurry to another city to make health in America a little less remote.—
Scott Pelley,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
