step in

Definition of step innext
1
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

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 in The first step in any movement for social change is to get people to understand the reality of the current situation. Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026 In 2025, Brinkley told Fox News Digital she was relieved that D’Angelo stepped in and saved her from stripping down. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026 Kimberly Greene, a Los Angeles County public defender, then stepped in and asked the judge to postpone the arraignment. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026 That was a key step in many famous instances of serendipity. Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
  • While visiting her parents in Boston, Wells spent time with a close family friend who owns an apartment in Paris.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • However, Demirel opened the game scoring eight unanswered points to give the visiting Antelopes an early 8-0 lead.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the coconut rum with an equal amount of coconut water or milk, and add 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract to maintain some of the flavor notes.
    Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Silvetti picked up a yellow card in the 69th minute and was later substituted for by Yannick Bright in the 74th minute as Miami looked to bolster its defense for the final stretch of the game.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Last month, rapidly-growing 7 Brew Coffee opened its 500th location, adding a stand in New Jersey.
    John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The historic build-up stands in stark contrast to the United States’ own supply struggles.
    Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Denver International Airport is working to fill in the gap, creating a food pantry for its federal employees and asking the FAA for permission to use the airport's revenue to pay for controllers' wages.
    JOSH FUNK, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The numbers don’t do justice to the way the four power sources play together, however, delivering a seamless rush of force as the electric motors perfectly fill in the gaps in the engine’s power band, combining the immediacy of an EV with the emotionality of a high-revving V12.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Acuff overtook Isaiah Joe's 13-game run in the 2018-19 season.
    Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Conway used to run in the same circles as Ann Coulter and Matt Drudge, dated Laura Ingraham, and represented Paula Jones in her case against Clinton that eventually got entangled with the 42nd President’s impeachment.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Jackson had contacted him about a BBC drama series called Vigil.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Anyone with information is asked to call 311 and reference activity number A25-554251.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

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