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
Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
The report also said that BNY is considering its next steps, which could include a formal bid to Northern Trust.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Sakkari didn’t appear to like what Putintseva said after that and stepped over toward her side to address the comment.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
Mastro said the administration has secured support from City Councilman Christopher Marte to rezone the Bowery lot to pave the way for the construction — a critical step because of the Council’s practice of deferring to local representatives on development decisions.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
The report also said that BNY is considering its next steps, which could include a formal bid to Northern Trust.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Verb
While both Foley and The Undertaker, real name Mark Calloway, have stepped away from in-ring action, Foley may be stepping away from the wrestling business altogether.
—Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Sakkari didn’t appear to like what Putintseva said after that and stepped over toward her side to address the comment.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
Nine new spec homes are currently available for purchase at various stages of completion, offering prospective homeowners a chance to personalize their future living spaces or move into a beautifully finished home.—
Prime Development,
Kansas City Star,
22 June 2025
-
That set the stage for Irving’s game-winning stepback 3-pointer over Stephen Curry with 53.0 seconds remaining.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2025
Noun
-
Following in the footsteps of her late father, attorney Robert Kardashian Sr., Kim began a four-year apprenticeship with a firm in San Francisco to pursue her law degree.—
Maria Yagoda,
People.com,
21 June 2025
-
Beck, considered at one point to be a candidate to be the No. 1 pick in the draft, would love to follow in the footsteps of Ward, who was the first pick after putting up huge numbers in Shannon Dawson’s offense.—
Manny Navarro,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
As with any major legislation, the path forward is shaped as much by politics as by policy.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
-
Ashby, though, is confident that the single agency is the best path forward.—
Jack Rodriquez-Vars,
Sacbee.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2025
-
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2025
Verb
-
When police arrived, the vehicle was unoccupied, but police round the victim and another passenger walking about a block away.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
-
Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins walks to the dugout in the eighth inning of the game against the Seattle Mariners at Target Field on June 23, 2025 in...—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
From new and established jewelry designers, these women dance to their own tune by creating pieces that are both heritage-inspired and iconic, leaving you wanting more after your first purchase.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
February 2025 Six of Wands: With Venus dancing from your sign this month into Aries on the 4th, all eyes are on you, Pisces.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
If Tehran now hurries to make atomic bombs in secret — and if other countries in the region then build their own nukes for self-protection — the tactical triumph of Midnight Hammer will turn into a strategic disaster.—
Andreas Kluth,
Mercury News,
28 June 2025
-
Gladys told her mother to hurry up and prepare dinner before 6 p.m., when the whole family usually sat down together.—
Mara Bovsun,
New York Daily News,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
The House measure aims to lower federal costs by freezing states' provider taxes at current rates and prohibiting them from establishing new provider taxes.—
July 1,
CBS News,
1 July 2025
-
Now the mammoth measure heads back to the House, which narrowly passed its own version at the end of May.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share