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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 referendum is a first step to potentially joining the 27-nation bloc. ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Ask what would help, clarify the next step, and let small follow-through rebuild trust. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
Otherwise on offense, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Trey Smith didn’t step on the field. Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026 The challenge was designed to encourage the teens to step away from social media and constant smartphone use while focusing on their mental health. Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • Ballistic missile attacks have increased civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across Ukraine - and Patriots are the only means of shooting them down.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Creamer’s group then sued O’Keefe and Maass over the video and their means of achieving the undercover clips.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Partey was booed by sections of the Gillette Stadium crowd in Foxboro during his nation’s World Cup group-stage game against England.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Ahmed also happens to have experience as a stage performer and a rapper—something his Bait character draws upon—putting him in a unique position to be able to one day take home a Tony and a Grammy.
    Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The defense will be led by junior off-ball linebacker Josiah Taylor, who has been labeled as the next standout defensive player at FIU, following in the footsteps of program icons such as Antwan Barnes.
    Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The company first pursued a New York listing, following in the footsteps of other Chinese tech giants like Alibaba and Baidu.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Road Ahead Stripe has agreed to buy a position in the path where AI money moves, and the price says the market now values that position above much of the traffic crossing it.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Reynolds has been crafty on the base paths, recording nine steals on nine attempts.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile the adaptive air suspension varies ground clearance from five inches (127 mm) up to nine inches (229 mm) and lowers automatically at highway speeds to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and cornering stability.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • He is described as a Black male, 5-foot-7-inches tall, 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Beijing is a source of crucial economic support for Iran but has walked a cautious diplomatic line amid the US-Iran war, keeping communications open with players on both sides.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Review There are sprawling meadows made for picnicking, walking trails that snake through dense forests, and a picturesque lake.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There was dancing, drinks and dazzling artifacts at the de Young Museum Thursday night.
    Andrea Nakano, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In January 2023, Becky says Haleigh hurt her neck and back in a car accident and had to stop dancing.
    Dateline NBC, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • News outlets hurried to meet the demand for information by publishing new stories about Harp.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Her campaign staff hurried her away from reporters during her watch party Tuesday night when asked about outside spending and major donors.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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