step 1 of 2

Definition of stepnext
1
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
as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot steps in the sand leading into the water and back out again

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in path
steps plural the direction along which something or someone moves their steps led them through a long corridor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

step

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3

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
Noun
This will play out over the next two years, with February’s event representing an initial first step. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026 The physical step is what adds friction, forcing users to pause and decide whether unlocking an app is actually worth it. Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
The moment Amber Glenn stepped onto the ice at figure skating’s world championships, fans began to wave American flags, from the lowest rows inside TD Garden to the highest rafters, where the jerseys of Boston’s sporting greats hang in honor. Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026 That’s not to mention the physical limitations of an extremely bulky spacesuit, which could physically tax astronauts even more than stepping outside of the International Space Station during a spacewalk. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • Being Different means standing apart - leading on innovation and setting trends.
    Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • As part of the litigation, Snyder-Hill and his co-plaintiffs have sought to depose Wexner and recently won court approval to subpoena him through alternative means after his attorney refused to accept service and other efforts proved futile.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Beijing has increasingly made clear its efforts to build technological self-sufficiency and hold its own on the global stage.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Trump held in-person interviews with each of the final four candidates as the final stage of a process that concluded earlier this month.
    Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The ship offers a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of historic polar explorers, paired with refined design, exceptional cuisine and a strong scientific mission.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • While Hyacinth is preparing to make her debut in society, perfecting her dance and hosting skills, Gregory is following his brothers' footsteps, studying at the prestigious Eton College.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Investing in domestic mining is necessary but insufficient—recycling infrastructure offers a faster, less geopolitically fraught path to supply chain resilience that has historically been overlooked by previous administrations.
    Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The Buddhist temple was directly in the path of the project, threatening its displacement.
    Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The most impactful snowfall is expected across central and eastern North Carolina into southern Virginia, where 5 to 10 inches of snow are projected.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • For ultimate versatility, the bag features a 22-inch adjustable crossbody strap that can be styled over your shoulder or worn across your chest.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • All that standing and walking and winnowing down culminated with Tuesday night’s best in show event.
    Poupay Jutharat, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday denied a report that claimed the organization told its players to stay inside their team hotel, take the team bus rather than walk to the stadium and carry their passports with them at all times.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This super cute manicure features red, coral, and pink wavy stripes going down the middle of each nail like a winding road, while little white hearts and dots dance down the line.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The first is that our love of music, and dance along with it, is just a happy accident of natural selection – tapping into our evolution to evoke delight.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Topdot Graphene Fleece Heated Jacket If a fleecy teddy coat is more your style, hurry to snag this one at 29 percent off.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
  • In the wake of the killings of Renee Good and then Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, federal officials hurried to television cameras and social media accounts.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on step

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!