step in

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 That’s another key step in the growth process. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025 Visitor centers were closed when the shutdown began, but the state stepped in with funds to reopen them last week. John Meyer, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025 President Benjamin Harrison stepped in at the time to turn down the temperature. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025 The Superintendent has created an engagement plan, which is a wonderful step in the right direction. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
  • Ben Kindel scored the Penguins’ only goal of the game, tying the score at 1-1 early in the second period, before the visiting New York Rangers ran away with a 6-1 win on Saturday night.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • While visiting, travelers can explore century-old shops and eat lobster boiled straight out of the ocean.
    Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To substitute sour cream for buttermilk, simply thin the sour cream to a thick but pourable consistency using milk or water (don't overdo it).
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The France captain was substituted in the 83rd minute and Madrid club sources have confirmed that after undergoing tests, the injury is not serious.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In excerpts from Federline’s book published by the New York Times earlier this week, the 47-year-old claims that one of the couple’s sons allegedly woke up one night to find Spears standing in the doorway holding a knife.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Concert etiquette is on the decline and, at least in my experience, tallest people alive stand in front of me during the show.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Matilda, his secretary, filled in the blanks and printed the important documents.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • But Major League Baseball analyst Jim Riley predicted the Yankees would trade him away this winter, raising the question of who might fill in.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki permitted a run in the ninth before manager Dave Roberts turned to veteran Blake Treinen to record the final out.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Retail trading has ballooned globally, as a combination of the bull run in some major markets, the prevalence of smartphone apps, and the meme stock phenomenon led more individuals to take up investing.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In their study, the gold extraction method uses a low-cost, harmless compound called trichloroisocyanuric acid, commonly used in water treatment.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • As part of the acquisition, James Cameron, whose Avatar films call 20th Century home, will act as an executive producer.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2025.

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