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
If the federal government doesn’t restore subsidies on ACA premiums, Texas may need to step in with rainy day funds.
—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
When an Olympic athlete suffers an injury requiring immediate care, a team of medical professionals from both the host city and the athlete’s national Olympic team step in to help.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Many were stepping in with limited to zero preexisting knowledge.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
Lindsey Vonn is still in the hospital and still awaiting imaging before knowing the next steps in her medical recovery after competing on a ruptured ACL at the Olympics last week.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
When an Olympic athlete suffers an injury requiring immediate care, a team of medical professionals from both the host city and the athlete’s national Olympic team step in to help.
—Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Many were stepping in with limited to zero preexisting knowledge.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
Lindsey Vonn is still in the hospital and still awaiting imaging before knowing the next steps in her medical recovery after competing on a ruptured ACL at the Olympics last week.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
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Also, visit the National Orchid Garden to see more than 1,000 species of orchids and 2,000 hybrids on display.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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During such events, the public is generally allowed to visit the Capitol and pay their respects.—
MATT BROWN,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And in all matters large and small, progressives could substitute their own wisdom for the wisdom of God.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Feb. 2026
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Duvall has a supporting role in the movie as Mason Hawk, who is a stand in for the various donors that supported the Masonic Home.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Feb. 2026
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The office also is important because all Illinois residents must deal with it (or stand in line it) at one point or another, so efficient service is paramount.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Its flat side can be used for outlining; its fine tip fills in sparse areas with hairlike strokes; and the broad side of the tip applies wider strokes as needed.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
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Online, true crime fanatics have parsed through information about the case — filling in the limited details with rumor, innuendo and sometimes downright conspiracy.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Savolainen played a huge role in Finland’s historic run in the 2019 hockey women’s world championship, in which the country made it to the final against the United States who, along with Canada, had previously dominated the competition and its gold medal matches.—
Hannah Ryan,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
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The junior right-hander gave up two runs in five innings with five strikeouts.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For example, Blue Origin and Sierra Space are working together on an outpost called Orbital Reef, and a consortium including NanoRacks and Voyager Space are developing one named Starlab.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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The seven-time All-Star made his first seven shots with five 3-pointers amid raucous cheers from the extra-steep supporters’ section called The Wall behind one basket at this futuristic 18-month-old arena.—
Greg Beacham,
Twin Cities,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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