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
Abby Dodge, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
While every situation is different and typically handled through the formal estate process, many families say that a few simple organizational steps make things feel less overwhelming.
—Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Danielle Zickl, Health, 12 Jan. 2026
Dotson, a key part of the Rams' rushing attack, sprained his ankle last month when it was stepped on by Seattle linebacker Derick Hall, who received a one-game suspension for his actions.
—CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
Florida is one step closer to lowering the age to legally purchase a long gun from 21 to 18.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
While every situation is different and typically handled through the formal estate process, many families say that a few simple organizational steps make things feel less overwhelming.
—Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
Keeping your torso upright, step your right foot forward 1 to 2 feet.
—Danielle Zickl, Health, 12 Jan. 2026
Dotson, a key part of the Rams' rushing attack, sprained his ankle last month when it was stepped on by Seattle linebacker Derick Hall, who received a one-game suspension for his actions.
—CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
Running out of battery mid-flight means missing entertainment and the chance to use apps that help manage nervousness or track turbulence.—
Alesandra Dubin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Manufacturers would also have to provide a means for first responders to access the car from outside when electric power is lost.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Florida’s four-game win over Edmonton in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final set the stage for another White House visit.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The show features figure skating, DJs, music and sing-alongs as Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other Disney characters hit the stage.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
State lawmakers in the Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill to ban student phone use in classrooms, following in the footsteps of many states with device policies to curb the impact a proliferation of screens has had at schools, from distractions to cyberbullying.—
Clara Hendrickson,
Freep.com,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The two have welcomed six kids together, with their eldest son, Vinny, following in his father's athletic footsteps by committing to wrestle for Cornell University.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
With less access to scholarships and aid, some students may elect to choose a different path of study, potentially sinking enrollment below the quotas set by the law enacted last year.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The park offers several hiking paths that explore caves along the base of the mountain and a trail that leads to the nearby town of Dénia.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hardside 25-inch Luggage Best Monos Deals Monos has built a cult-following of people who love the look of their polished and modern bags, and right now is a great time to shop them.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The police had overestimated Ramírez’s height by an inch or two but most of the other details were correct.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In the 47-second video, the agent can be seen walking around Good’s maroon Honda Pilot, which is in the middle of the street blocking traffic.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Bryant went 6 of 7 from the free-throw line over the final two minutes of the fourth quarter to keep the Hurricane at arm's length and walk away with a tough 79-71 victory at Hornet Arena.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Demonstrators waved signs, chanted in English and Spanish, and danced to music from portable speakers.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The marble bathroom toilets are all-singing, all-dancing affairs, with jet sprays and heated seats.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Rafiq thanked the shopkeeper and hurried out of the bazaar’s maze-like structure to find his car.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Caracas, Venezuela — The morning after US forces bombed Caracas, dragged President Nicolás Maduro out of bed, carted him over the Caribbean and installed him in a Brooklyn jail, many Venezuelans hurried to the grocery store.—
Mary Triny Mena,
CNN Money,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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