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.
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Recent Examples of step
Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
While planting outdoors can save you a step as replanting likely won’t be necessary, the outcome might be slightly more unpredictable depending on your climate.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Lovely people, every one, but if your definition of vacation privacy includes stepping onto your terrace without locking eyes with someone else's morning routine, request a standalone cottage or spring for a villa.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
As such, TikTok content niches like #ShowerTok, where users document their several-step shower and body care routines, have soared in popularity.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
While planting outdoors can save you a step as replanting likely won’t be necessary, the outcome might be slightly more unpredictable depending on your climate.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
Deep into a detailed recounting of this pivotal moment in his life — and the nation’s history — Jackson stepped right over the chain.
—David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Lovely people, every one, but if your definition of vacation privacy includes stepping onto your terrace without locking eyes with someone else's morning routine, request a standalone cottage or spring for a villa.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
The organization was appealing to Garton and the fair because of its commitment to bridging the gap for people who may have received aid from FEMA or other programs, but who do not have the financial means to rebuild fully.—
Charlie Vargas,
Daily News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The discrepancy comes in large part from men being likelier to choose more lethal means, such as firearms.—
Faith Hill,
The Atlantic,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Too conveniently, Mary is pushed off-stage with a sudden terminal illness, which enables Becket to take his rightful place in the narrative.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Charlotte 49ers athletic director Kevin White was introduced in front of a large crowd Thursday at Halton Arena, setting the stage for what university chancellor Sharon Gaber hopes to be a new chapter of Charlotte athletics.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After a breakout rookie season that helped earn him an eight-year, $130 million contract extension, the Red Sox hope Anthony can soon follow in Ortiz’s footsteps to become the face of the franchise.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Despite it all, Anthony seems primed to follow in the footsteps of season 1 sweetheart Ronald and end up extremely invested in the success of the group of strangers.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Because life isn't a straight path.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Feb. 2026
-
For Calumet Park resident Treiva Mandela, starting down the path toward a rewarding career came down to picking between her pros and cons.—
Janice Neumann,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The 24-inch Timeless Hardside Spinner by Jessica Simpson is hiding in the clearance section for just $38.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
-
My baby hairs are 4 inches long now!—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The team is reachable via text or WhatsApp, responsive and warm, happy to arrange a boat or send a buggy when the walk down to the beach feels ambitious.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
-
As the driver walks toward the vehicle behind the rig, a van, a person can be seen fleeing the scene on foot.—
Terry Castleman,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
During the show’s 2023 Broadway run, SRO audiences were encouraged to dance in place and ponder despots at the same time — a greater disassotiative challenge than walking and chewing gum at the same time, but hardly an insurmountable one.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The men who had asked Mother to dance were obviously the ones who approved, but they were not supposed to identify themselves to her.—
Nicholas Lemann,
New Yorker,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Yet the Department of Homeland Security closed precheck lanes on Sunday to hurry along spending talks.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
24 Feb. 2026
-
The men disappeared inside and hurried up to the fifth floor.—
Steven Levingston,
Vanity Fair,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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