as in footprints
the mark or impression made by a foot
saw muddy footsteps on the just-cleaned stairs
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Recent Examples of footsteps
Gnacinski followed in the footsteps of her PhD adviser from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, who was the mental performance consultant with the Olympic Institute of Australia before her.
—
Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Newman follows in the footsteps of her late mother, Jean, who led the shop until her death in 2013.
—Andrea Naversen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Twenty-six other states have followed in California’s footsteps with legislation — some signed into law, others still in progress — that would either ban, restrict or require labels for artificial colorants.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Mattel follows in the footsteps of past Queerties hosts including Jinkx Monsoon, Bob the Drag Queen and Bianca Del Rio.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
Focusing on his own footsteps, Xavier committed last week to NCAA Division III Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
—Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
When Miles made the decision to follow Steve's footsteps, the entire family rejoiced.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Smith has since followed in his father's footsteps, making his own mark on the hip-hop as a DJ.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026
Smith has since followed in his father's footsteps, making his own mark on the hip-hop genre.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Newman follows in the footsteps of her late mother, Jean, who led the shop until her death in 2013.
—Andrea Naversen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Twenty-six other states have followed in California’s footsteps with legislation — some signed into law, others still in progress — that would either ban, restrict or require labels for artificial colorants.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Mattel follows in the footsteps of past Queerties hosts including Jinkx Monsoon, Bob the Drag Queen and Bianca Del Rio.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
Focusing on his own footsteps, Xavier committed last week to NCAA Division III Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
—Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
When Miles made the decision to follow Steve's footsteps, the entire family rejoiced.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Smith has since followed in his father's footsteps, making his own mark on the hip-hop as a DJ.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026
Smith has since followed in his father's footsteps, making his own mark on the hip-hop genre.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for footsteps
Noun
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Along the way, two clear footprints caught my eye, one from the front paw, one from the back.—
Scott Haugen,
Outdoor Life,
4 Feb. 2026
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As digital footprints grow more detailed, should tech companies give law enforcement broader access when someone goes missing?—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
During the past several months, execs have taken steps to wean themselves from NBCU, decamping to a new Midtown Manhattan corporate headquarters and making deals with a number of other suppliers for news, sports and entertainment programming.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
7 Feb. 2026
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Authorities offer chilling new details Blood found on the home's front steps was confirmed to be Nancy Guthrie's, Nanos said.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Footsteps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footsteps. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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