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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of step
Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
His every step is observed closely by Banks, who is looking at stability, mobility and lower body control.
—Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Alternatively, Tottenham Hotspur’s third goal against Burnley last weekend was notable for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s inclination to step upfield to form a back three as his centre-backs pulled wide.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
One wrong step sent Luhn hurtling down the side of the mountain.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
His every step is observed closely by Banks, who is looking at stability, mobility and lower body control.
—Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Without a safety net, even a small risk can feel like stepping off a cliff.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Alternatively, Tottenham Hotspur’s third goal against Burnley last weekend was notable for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s inclination to step upfield to form a back three as his centre-backs pulled wide.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
Bush acknowledged in an October 2005 news conference that a member of his administration, Karl Rove, had privately shared with Dobson information about Miers that’s typically considered off limits to share publicly in that stage of a Supreme Court justice’s nomination.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Costco and the City of Oconomowoc have now set the brick-and-mortar stage for the wholesale retailer's entry into a 23.7-acre section of Pabst Farms.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Now, Monica is following in her footsteps, having played the vihuela, a small five-string guitar, with Reyna since 2019.—
Gina Lee Castro,
jsonline.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
While Jean Smart’s trophy case holds three Emmys for her work on the acclaimed HBO Max showbiz satire, Einbinder has yet to follow in her co-star’s footsteps.—
Team TVLine,
TVLine,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Inspired by Life, Backed by Experience Hudson's own path shaped the work.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Abbott said the legislation puts Texas on a healthier path, crediting Kennedy with galvanizing healthier living movement.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Add more potting mix to bring the soil level to about 1 inch below the pot’s rim, firm the soil around your plant’s stems to keep them upright, and install a moss pole or other plant support if your plant needs it.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
When asked about a crisp white, my server walked me through a couple on the menu, nailing it with a crisp, acidic Alexakis Assyrtiko from the Greek island of Crete.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Two little girls walked up to him, one who had been wounded in the head and another who said she was shot in the throat, along with a young boy who had an arm injury.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The reel featured the celebrity family dancing with locals, watching the exciting horse race, and taking in a huge fireworks display.—
Clare Fisher,
People.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Recurring scenes of children dancing cue to the inner child that Jacobs, and too many other Black men, lose to the streets.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Young, who had to hurry because of Urias’ speed, picked the ball up with his bare hand, turned and fired an errant throw to first base, allowing Urias to reach.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Before the new regulations, says Annie Inglis, Marine Biology Presenter with Quark, the expedition crew would be hurrying to get guests in Zodiacs to try to get closer to a bear sighting like this.—
Cassidy Randall,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Federal Communications Commission last year fined T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, saying the carriers illegally shared access to customers' location information without consent and did not take reasonable measures to protect that sensitive data against unauthorized disclosure.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
18 Aug. 2025
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In 2023, a police document detailing President Joe Biden's movements, including which streets would be closed and other security measures, were found in Belfast while the president was in Ireland.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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