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 South Lake has been without quarterback Tre Kelly for the past four games, but freshman Walker Motley has stepped in and played well. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2026 A couple years later, on the verge of being demolished and replaced by several new McMansions, fund manager and seasonal Watch Hill resident Charles Royce stepped in to salvage its history. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 Many clients assume a spouse or family member will step in and carry the load. — David Chavern, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Sacramento Regional Transit is pausing what would be the first step in establishing a transit line through Natomas to Sacramento International Airport. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 30 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
  • On Sunday, Jordan’s Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah attended a funeral held for the victims while Jordan’s King Abdullah II visited the injured in the hospital earlier.
    — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Dan Lipinski is a former Democratic congressman from Illinois and a distinguished visiting fellow for the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions at the Hoover Institution.
    — Dan Lipinski, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of visit
Verb
  • Thompson didn’t play in the fourth quarter until being substituted in for the final 10 seconds of the contest.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Dentists likely are champing at the bit, ready and willing to substitute some dental floss for a slab of chocolate.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • Soon-to-be Cy Young Award winner Jacob Misiorowski held the Rays to just one run in his five innings, but certainly not without the help of some Rays baserunning blunders.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Each game runs with two sets of graphics settings at each resolution, for up to four runs in total.
    — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of run in
Verb
  • The attack ads that exaggerate and lie about their opponents, without mentioning their myopic support for their dear leader whose baggage has destroyed America’s standing in the world, are astounding.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards Procter & Gamble has long been the class of the consumer-products industry, standing in for quality management in the way Pampers are synonymous with diapers.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of stand in
Verb
  • Allen drained it to extend Charlotte’s lead to 20, and then found Dennis Schröder for a high-five as Miami called a timeout.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Later, however, a faithful replica, also called the Atlantic, was built.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of call
Verb
  • Sherman, Maine — Behind the steering wheel of his silver pickup, Scott Bates fills in the blanks with numbers.
    — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • After Moore suffered a concussion against the Los Angeles Chargers, Ezeudu came on to fill in at right tackle for the rest of the game.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 23 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 3 Nov. 2026.

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