1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
took steps to ensure that there would be no more incidences of food poisoning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
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
4
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
1
as in to walk
to go on foot
I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to dance
to perform a series of usually rhythmic bodily movements to music
she was in her element, happily stepping around the dance floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to hurry
to proceed or move quickly
many people wanted to linger before the president's bier, but guards kept the line of mourners stepping forward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2025
The first group proved faster and more effective at proposing next steps.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
James Folta
september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Though fans cannot step inside the home or on the property, Wilmington offers plenty of ways to experience the magic of Cousins Beach.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
In response, Uber has taken steps to match female drivers with female riders whenever possible.
—Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2025
The first group proved faster and more effective at proposing next steps.
—Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
Carefully avoiding stepping on their toes doesn’t seem to help.
—James Folta
september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Though fans cannot step inside the home or on the property, Wilmington offers plenty of ways to experience the magic of Cousins Beach.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
The hijacking of the sport and the community institutions that built it, by noxious forces using it for their own means.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Explaining banknotes’ appeal, the European Central Bank study says that in moments of acute stress the public sees cash as a reliable store of value and a resilient means of payment.—
Olesya Dmitracova,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Fireworks spouted directly beyond the stage where the president and others spoke, which had online critics questioning the need for them.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Helleson was paired with his buddy since the nascent stages of elementary school, LaCombe, presumably with Helleson being the stay-at-home partner for the Ducks’ leading scorer from the blue line last year.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At a time when young people are increasingly questioning the value of higher education—especially a graduate degree that can cost more than $250,000—the idea of following in the footsteps of top CEOs may not seem appealing.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The Paper is following in The Office’s footsteps and airing on NBC!—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The city of Miami is on the verge of settling a court fight over a jumbo digital billboard looming over the downtown waterfront, potentially easing the path for similar advertising structures to go up nearby.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
24 Sep. 2025
-
His path was enriched by mentorship and lessons, including advice from NBA superstars LeBron James and Chris Paul during elite summer camps in college.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even a basic and small telescope, such as a 2-inch refractor, can get you a glimpse of the rings.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Most notable interior change is a 27-inch OLED display incorporating gauges and infotainment controls.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If the value is too high, buyers may walk or struggle to get a loan.—
Mary Beth Eastman,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
-
From dancers to rappers, there were 10 finalists going into the America's Got Talent finale hoping to walk away with the grand prize.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The sequences of Ann and her acolytes singing and dancing to remixed Shaker hymns are transcendent, capturing the completeness of their devotion.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Fresh off her appearance in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), Xochitl Gomez danced to victory in DWTS season 32 with partner Val Chmerkovskiy.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As Today points out, customers took to social media to ask for Starbucks to hurry up and get Apple Crisp drinks back on the seasonal menu.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Foster’s hurried firing on Sunday morning comes after his hurried hiring in February 2024, his placement a band-aid one week after Chip Kelly bolted to be offensive coordinator at Ohio State.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share