1
as in to visit
to make a brief visit
I just stepped in to say hi on my way to class
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to substitute
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only
couldn't find anyone to step in for me so that I could take a break from my caregiving duties
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of step in
Now, if not for this great unknown of this latest rib injury, Herro could have stood as an X-factor again at the trade deadline, there to step in in case Powell is swapped out.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
Focus On Sport / Getty Images But New York wouldn’t have won without Hostetler stepping in.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
Digital Fingerprints The next step in analyzing the video is to run a provenance check.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2026
Assistant Anita Robinson stepped in.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
Focus On Sport / Getty Images But New York wouldn’t have won without Hostetler stepping in.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 24 Jan. 2026
Digital Fingerprints The next step in analyzing the video is to run a provenance check.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2026
Assistant Anita Robinson stepped in.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
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China has been particularly busy, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ireland's Prime Minister Michael Martin, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Starmer all visiting Beijing this month.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Lemon is planning to visit Europe in June.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Winner may not substitute, assign or transfer Prize or redeem Prize for cash, but Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute Prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
William Jones
January 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Aaron Glenn stood in front of a crowd of reporters, Jets staffers and former Jets players at his introductory news conference as the franchise’s new head coach and announced to the world that things were going to be different with him in charge.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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Under the watchful eye of sheriffs deputies who threatened to ticket anyone caught standing in the road, along with a small number of National Guard members, the protesters took turns screaming swears and warming up in nearby parked cars.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The year was 2016, and the now-lead vocalist María Zardoya was performing at The Kibitz Room, a low-key cocktail lounge attached to the iconic Canter's Deli, while drummer/producer Josh Conway filled in as sound engineer for her set, the duo said in a 2017 interview with Remezcla.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
30 Jan. 2026
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After sitting out on Monday, as Behar typically has that day off on the weekly schedule, Ana Navarro filled in for the cohost on Tuesday's broadcast, with moderator Whoopi Goldberg informing the audience why Behar wasn't on the show that day.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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An errant shot by Cody Rhodes sent the referee to the ground as WWE officials ran in to stop the brawl before the match started.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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Reich, a former quarterback himself who once stepped in as a backup to Jim Kelly for multiple Buffalo Bills playoff runs in the 1990s, has taken an interest in Stidham’s particular situation in Denver.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Calò, a 46-year-old Sicilian, speaks passionately about El Popo, as Mexicans call the volcano, rattling off trivia.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Jan. 2026
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Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the CMPD Homicide Unit at 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a detective.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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