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
Launched in June, the initiative combines community events with social outreach to raise awareness and inspire neighbors to step in where help is needed most.
—
Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
After a long, stressful summer for Miami-Dade’s school district with a federal funding freeze that had the superintendent mobilized to get lawmakers to step in, the first day of school kicked off on a more positive note.
—Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
The city’s police and federal officials, projecting cooperation, took the first steps in an uneasy partnership to reduce crime in what President Donald Trump called — without substantiation — a lawless city.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
After a few moments, the bride’s sister, Chloe, wearing a yellow bridesmaid dress, could be seen stepping in to help get Noodle moving as the bride was due at the altar.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step in
Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
After a long, stressful summer for Miami-Dade’s school district with a federal funding freeze that had the superintendent mobilized to get lawmakers to step in, the first day of school kicked off on a more positive note.
—Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
The city’s police and federal officials, projecting cooperation, took the first steps in an uneasy partnership to reduce crime in what President Donald Trump called — without substantiation — a lawless city.
—Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
After a few moments, the bride’s sister, Chloe, wearing a yellow bridesmaid dress, could be seen stepping in to help get Noodle moving as the bride was due at the altar.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
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The exes went back and forth over whether Michelle could take their daughter on a trip to visit her dying mother.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
13 Aug. 2025
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To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
4 Aug. 2025
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Son Heung-min was substituted on 63 minutes, receiving a standing ovation and getting a guard of honor from the players on the pitch before hugging all the members of the Spurs bench as the crowd chanted his name.—
Steve Price,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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He was berated by the president and Vice President JD Vance for insufficient gratitude toward the United States for its help and for standing in the way of a peace agreement with Russia.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
16 Aug. 2025
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The landowner has said unwieldy bureaucracy, and the sky-high expenses of navigating it, stand in the way of a clean-up.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Tools like Heimdall’s orb, dubbed the Neuron, can fill in that blank.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
13 Aug. 2025
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For this week’s Open Questions column, Cal Newport is filling in for Joshua Rothman.—
Cal Newport,
New Yorker,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Orioles put up single runs in the third and fourth, then the Cubs staged a two-out rally off reliever Dietrich Enns in the sixth, with Swanson driving in the go-ahead run.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Aug. 2025
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The Marlins outfielder posted 20 RBI, 10 homers, and 16 runs in 24 games while slashing .364/.451/.818 with a 1.269 OPS for the month.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Breakouts might call for the Salicylic + Green Tea Exfoliating Cleanser and Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream, whereas dry skin might crave a boost of moisture from the Hyaluronic + Arnica Hydrating Serum.—
Lisa DeSantis,
Allure,
14 Feb. 2023
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Marx himself would call DEI a classic case of ideology, a set of benign-seeming ideas that disguise the workings of the rulers, in this case empowered progressives.—
WSJ,
WSJ,
14 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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