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
Typically, the first step in any stimulus checks being sent out is for Congress to approve them, which has yet to happen.
—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Anthony has played a large role in Hyacinth’s life, stepping in as a father figure.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
The move represents the latest step in the junta’s consolidation of power since seizing control in 2022.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Hall recommends applying it daily, as the last step in your morning skincare routine.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Anthony has played a large role in Hyacinth’s life, stepping in as a father figure.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
The move represents the latest step in the junta’s consolidation of power since seizing control in 2022.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Hall recommends applying it daily, as the last step in your morning skincare routine.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
-
China has been particularly busy, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ireland's Prime Minister Michael Martin, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Starmer all visiting Beijing this month.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Lemon is planning to visit Europe in June.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Winner may not substitute, assign or transfer Prize or redeem Prize for cash, but Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute Prize (or portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
William Jones
January 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The image of Daniel standing in a small boat on the enormous river, scouring below its surface with a camera at the end of a pole, stuck with the filmmaker.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
3 Feb. 2026
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One of the many unsettling images to emerge from the recent ICE surge in Minneapolis was that of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, in his blue bunny hat, standing in the January cold with the hand of a federal officer gripping his Spider-Man backpack.—
A.O. Scott,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The year was 2016, and the now-lead vocalist María Zardoya was performing at The Kibitz Room, a low-key cocktail lounge attached to the iconic Canter's Deli, while drummer/producer Josh Conway filled in as sound engineer for her set, the duo said in a 2017 interview with Remezcla.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
30 Jan. 2026
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After sitting out on Monday, as Behar typically has that day off on the weekly schedule, Ana Navarro filled in for the cohost on Tuesday's broadcast, with moderator Whoopi Goldberg informing the audience why Behar wasn't on the show that day.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Music ran in her family’s blood.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
31 Jan. 2026
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While those fans were not happy about the results and performances this season under Mourinho, their main beef is with Rui Costa and their perception of how Benfica have been run in recent years.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In the first few weeks of 2026, three people were shot and killed by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents, prompting nationwide outrage and calls for the agency to be defunded and for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to be abolished.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
2 Feb. 2026
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The body naturally makes a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, which helps to regulate appetite and food intake.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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