step in

verb

Definition of step innext
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

Relevance
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 Related The rapper, born DeAndre Cortez Way, framed the move as the next step in a career that’s spanned music, business, and tech. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 11 Oct. 2026 After the physical altercation, both men retreated toward their vehicles after witness Jamie Jedlinsky, 70, reportedly stepped in to defuse the situation. — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 As the mediator gets her steps in, Johnny and Flora cross paths. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 Tracy Campbell, Director – Production Training & Development at Walt Disney Animation Studios, will take on the role of Secretary, with animation exec Sharon Taylor stepping in as Treasurer. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
  1. visit
  2. substitute
  3. run in
  4. stand in
  5. call
  6. fill in
Verb
  • Guests can also arrange for transportation to visit the neighboring resorts.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Seung-woon requests Pi-o and Jeong-yo visit his hospital bedside.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of visit
Verb
  • If that doesn’t happen, the district will have to substitute equivalent cuts elsewhere.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Even a few tweaks on the experiment to substitute the heavy water for a layer of graphite would have failed, given the purity of the materials available.
    — Mike McRae October 06, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • While traffic has dipped in response, ships continue to cross, with many making shuttle runs in and out of the Gulf to unload oil cargoes via ship-to-ship transfers.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Christianson broke off a 78-yard touchdown run in the second half.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of run in
Verb
  • Kore-eda said the animation Fujino later makes stands in for a future the pair never got to share.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Great for the environment, which is the idea, but a selfish part of me longed to simply stand in a stream of warm water for a minute, without using any of my muscles—especially after five hours of hiking.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of stand in
Verb
  • It was put on by a company called Candle House, which, though little-known as of yet in the theatrical mainstream, has enough of a cult national reputation that nearly all of the 76 shows sold out pretty much just on word of mouth, at $247 a pop.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The pop-up, called Sheep, debuted on July 8 in the rooftop restaurant space at the hotel, offering a $95 per person four-course tasting menu focused on open-fire cooking.
    — The Know, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of call
Verb
  • Bruns has tattooed himself with PhotoTat, using the inks to fill in fish-scale designs on his legs.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The Florida product has started every game this season filling in for Tyler Biadasz.
    — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of fill in

Browse Nearby Words

stepfathers
step in
step into
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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