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
Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 May 2025
This is a fair period in which the next steps can be prepared.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 May 2025
After having misgivings in her role about accusing a high school swim coach of molestation and stepping away from her blog, she is ultimately vindicated.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
His next step will be to consistently compete against NBA stars after he is drafted as the face of a franchise in June.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 May 2025
This is a fair period in which the next steps can be prepared.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Verb
Gregg Popovich, the iconic head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, is stepping away from his position, but not leaving the NBA entirely.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 May 2025
After having misgivings in her role about accusing a high school swim coach of molestation and stepping away from her blog, she is ultimately vindicated.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
Morrissey is planning to get back on stage at Centennial Hall in Tucson, AZ on Monday night (May 5) after postponing a pair of shows on his spring U.S. tour over the weekend due to health issues.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
5 May 2025
-
On Friday night, Gaga treated fans by rehearsing on the stage, giving them a teaser of what was to come.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
The South Korean brand follows in the footsteps of MM6 Maison Margiela, Setchu, Marine Serre, Martine Rose and Grace Wales Bonner, among others, as a guest designer of the men’s trade fair.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
The Guardian newspaper reports that Gatwa, who is currently starring as the 15th Doctor in the BBC’s long-running sci-fi drama, will follow in the footsteps of previous stars including Joanna Lumley, Nigella Lawson and Doctor Who alumna Catherine Tate.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
While embarking on mission to avenge Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal), the duo cross paths with a dangerous militant faction known as the Washington Liberation Front (W.L.F.) led by Isaac (Jeffrey Wright).—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
11 May 2025
-
But with the Civil War, the hopes and dreams of the Declaration of Independence were put on the path to fulfillment and America’s best years were unleashed.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
Small measurements, big impacts While land sinking less than an inch per year might not seem like much on paper, small shifts in land can have big effects.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
8 May 2025
-
Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescues, are generally maintained at 3 to 4 inches tall.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
When his remarks concluded, the pope walked down the steps at the front of the stage in the hall and shook hands with a line of Vatican officials, exchanging a few words with each person.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
-
When Jackson walked off the pitch and down the tunnel, Chelsea’s head coach appeared deliberately to ignore him.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
McGrath recalled the one time his friend filmed himself dancing at the airport.—
Francesca Street,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
-
The teen has been dancing onstage at her mom's shows since the Renaissance World Tour in 2023.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Verb
-
Juan and Alfredo—who arrives just afterward—don’t have time to mourn their friend’s death and hurry to leave after seeing people with flashlights heading toward the building.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
1 May 2025
-
When the final whistle sounded Saturday, coach Mikey Varas seemed eager for Tuesday to hurry up.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The exemption started as a cost-cutting measure, to avoid taxes that cost the government more to collect than the tax itself.—
Emily Feng,
NPR,
2 May 2025
-
The email includes urgent measures recipients must take.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
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