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
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Recent Examples of step
Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
July 23 – August 22 Thinking a few steps ahead could be crucial now.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
William Jones, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Oppenheimer’s priority was telling a complete story and then stepping away.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
This step includes canceling the student picture day scheduled for Thursday at Hilbert Elementary, a school in Wayne County's Redford Township that enrolls students pre-K through grade 6.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
July 23 – August 22 Thinking a few steps ahead could be crucial now.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
For someone who had commanded the attention of thousands, his decision to completely step away was a shock for many.
—William Jones, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Oppenheimer’s priority was telling a complete story and then stepping away.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 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
-
But fans remain hopeful, especially as Team USA’s men’s hockey team — which has advanced to the knockout stage — prepares for a critical matchup today that could determine their medal chances.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
By the same stage in this one, the figure was 23.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In September 2025, Astin followed in the footsteps of his mom, Patty Duke, when he was elected the National President of SAG-AFTRA.—
Sarah Weldon,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Martinez is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Mark, who placed fourth in the 144-pound weight class at the Class 2A state meet for Deerfield in 2024.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
18 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
-
New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.—
Ryan Murphy,
IndyStar,
19 Feb. 2026
-
All other bags must be clear and no larger than 12-by-12-by-6 inches.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
19 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 26 Feb. 2026.
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