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
That's when the Denver Rescue Mission's Prevention Program stepped in.
—
Libby Smith, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
Global superpower China also has stepped in, sending an envoy to the Middle East.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Mar. 2026
Right-hander Nick Sandlin threw to hitters for the first time this spring Saturday, a key step in his road back from offseason arthroscopic elbow surgery.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
Residents also stepped in and adopted some of the animals.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Libby Smith, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
Global superpower China also has stepped in, sending an envoy to the Middle East.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Mar. 2026
Right-hander Nick Sandlin threw to hitters for the first time this spring Saturday, a key step in his road back from offseason arthroscopic elbow surgery.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
Residents also stepped in and adopted some of the animals.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
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For more details on the claims process or to download a claim form, visit the Hoosier Lottery Winners page or contact the customer service team at 1-800-955-6886.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
7 Mar. 2026
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In our roundup of travel news this week, why social bathhouses are a hot new wellness trend, the Portuguese chicken shop Chinese tourists are traveling thousands of miles to visit, plus travel chaos in the Middle East.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But since then, the Senate substituted its own version, meaning the lower chamber would have to reconsider the changes to the measure.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
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Üsküdar / Istanbul This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Connie Etemadi,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Steph’s younger brother stood in the corner, loaded up a shot, and splashed a 3-pointer on his first possession off the bench.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Like her structured coat, both pieces stand in opposition to the more dainty, romantic white cotton dress.—
Ana Serrano,
Glamour,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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We are jerked between past and present as his backstory gets filled in, one jogged memory at a time.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
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Villaseñor also considers the program from a holistic standpoint, filling in gaps here, choosing films that can reflect each other there.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Kentucky Derby will be run in eight weeks, which allows plenty of time for considerable changes in the field.—
Jay Posner,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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Candidates for seats on county commissions and school boards qualified this week to run in this year’s election, setting the stage for some competitive primaries on May 19.—
Cassidy Alexander,
AJC.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Before experimenting with an early variation of Country Joe and the Fish alongside guitarist Barry Melton in the mid-1960s, McDonald started a small magazine called Rag Baby.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Small strokes, for example, can impair blood flow to the brain and trigger what’s called vascular dementia.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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