Definition of stepnext
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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

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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

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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
The good news is that a few simple aftercare steps can make all the difference, starting with knowing what to put on your legs after shaving. Emma-Jade Stoddart, Glamour, 5 July 2026 The xG step graphic below is a quickfire indicator of how this game went. Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
With one out and Carrigg on third, Jake McCarthy hit a sharp ground ball to Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who stepped on the bag and fired home. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 Rob, who died in December at age 78, portrayed George Washington in a segment inspired by the first president’s decision to step away after two terms in office. Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • Making the final means the Huskies could be very good this fall.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • Workers and advocates say losing those employees will cost the airport knowledgeable workers and leave their families without means to support themselves.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • Last year the city approved Hackman Capital’s $1-billion plan to add 980,000 square feet of offices, sound stages, production facilities and retail space.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Those results meant Norway had already qualified for the knockout stages, so rested 10 players as they were beaten 4-1 by France in their final group match.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • Later that night, Kayley and Joe follow in Kat and Cooper’s wholesome footsteps and decide to sleep on the deck, under the stars.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Her two youngest children, 5-year-old Raúl and 9-year-old Ximena, wanted to follow in the footsteps of their oldest brother and play soccer.
    PJ Green July 11, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • Asking for help is a sign of strength, and taking that first step can put you on the path to feeling better.
    Barton Goldsmith, AJC.com, 15 July 2026
  • Surveillance footage obtained by The Associated Press appears to show a white sedan, believed to be Durán Guerrero on his way to work, driving in circles near an intersection before an unmarked vehicle blocks its path.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • Del Rio could see over 6 inches, which is about what the city typically sees from June to August.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • These should be at least eight inches, and the taller the coil, the better the body contouring.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • The Angels then chased Eovaldi when Logan O’Hoppe walked and Wade Meckler singled, driving in a run as the top of the order came to the plate.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
  • Instead of relying solely on manual walk-around inspections, crews can assign inspection missions to the robotic platforms.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • After the final whistle, Mbappé, ignoring his injury, started to dance about.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
  • Like the perfect peach, your fruit salad should dance between acidity and sweetness.
    Cooking Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Joe and Julius hurried ahead and instantly found a blood trail.
    Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026
  • But hurry, because many colors and sizes are already sold out.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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