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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Instead of brown rice, substitute it for whole-wheat penne pasta in this recipe.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
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When those athletes are exhausted, they are substituted.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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At the center of the film are a pair of brothers who stand in stark contrast to one another.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2026
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These are all refreshing correctives to the texts that previously stood in for contemporary Japan internationally, including any number of small volumes about magical cafés, bookshops, or libraries, often with cats on their covers.—
Sarah Chihaya,
New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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What separated this from a standard disclosure was Blanco filling in details from his own perspective.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2026
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The Vital Farms debate shows how even legally compliant claims can be perceived as misleading when marketing language fills in gaps that standards do not define.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 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 10 Mar. 2026.
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