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
Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
Let’s talk about the tone and direction of this new regime being set by this first step.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
After 19 seasons on the Bravo series, Lakshmi stepped away in 2023 and began developing her own cooking competition.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
The states also lost points in the assessment for failing to take steps to stop prediction markets like Kalshi, which let people essentially bet on the outcome of almost anything, from sports to wars.
—Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026
Let’s talk about the tone and direction of this new regime being set by this first step.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
From Easter brunch to graduations, weddings, job interviews and first office jobs, there are certain moments when young men need to step beyond hoodies and sneakers and reach for something a little more polished.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
After 19 seasons on the Bravo series, Lakshmi stepped away in 2023 and began developing her own cooking competition.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
Protesters also need the means of self-defense.—
Richard Goldberg,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Fall in the South means taking advantage of the bounty of fresh produce which, of course, includes butternut squash.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lithium refining is expensive and technologically complex, and most of the world’s midstream processing capacity remains concentrated in China, meaning Chinese firms dominate not only mining but also the chemical refining stage where much of the value is captured.—
Ray Mwayera,
semafor.com,
13 Mar. 2026
-
These workers control everything from individually steaming each stage curtain to rigging massive pieces of audio equipment.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Honda’s following in the footsteps of Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis in taking a massive bath on EVs.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
12 Mar. 2026
-
More than three decades later, Mike Benning is following in his dad’s footsteps.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Aguado says one possible path forward is filing a habeas corpus petition, which challenges the legality of Sousa's detention and could potentially lead to her release.—
Chelsea Jones,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
December 22 – January 19 Straightforward words make the path clearer.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Storms also dropped 1 to 2 inches of rain and left piles of hail in the Grand Rapids area in western Michigan, said Alex Manion, a weather service meteorologist in Detroit.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The new Ozzy — named after her paternal grandfather, the former Black Sabbath frontman who died of a heart attack last July — clocked in a week ago at 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and 19 inches long, according to the photo.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But a leadoff walk in the top of the 9th allowed Eugenio Suárez to knock in what would prove to be the winning run, smacking a double to left center field and scoring pinch runner Javier Sonoja.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Gleyber Torres walked leading off the seventh against loser Michael Lorenzen, and Jackson Chourio’s two-out single put runners at the corners.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
At one point, the twins danced up to their father, cradling the championship trophy between their arms.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
-
She’s danced for pop singer Paula Abdul (who’s often credited with dancing getting to the forefront of pop music) actor Dick Van Dyke and reggaeton artist Ozuna.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But hurry, the retailer deemed it a popular pick, so grab it before it's gone.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The district was represented by general counsel Devora Navera Reed as well as by an outside counsel who hurried to the scene.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
