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
To live so near to the spotlight, and never step in it.
—
Dan Heching, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Some funding came from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) through its ICOF program and CCIDA stepped in with a second tranche of funding through its Film Development Fund (FDF).
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2026
That’s when the university stepped in, setting an official start date for tenters.
—Storey Wertheimer, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Louisiana designated hitter Steven Spalitta got to Froehlich on a triple, and Texas State pitcher Wade Cooper stepped in as relief.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Dan Heching, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Some funding came from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) through its ICOF program and CCIDA stepped in with a second tranche of funding through its Film Development Fund (FDF).
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2026
That’s when the university stepped in, setting an official start date for tenters.
—Storey Wertheimer, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
Louisiana designated hitter Steven Spalitta got to Froehlich on a triple, and Texas State pitcher Wade Cooper stepped in as relief.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
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Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine’s national security and defense council, visited the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan in the past week and said the drone defenses were deployed in those countries.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
21 Mar. 2026
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For kayaks and stand-up paddle boarding, visit Nootka Kayak on Playa de las Anquines, an artificial beach that offers great conditions for both.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Prizes may not be substituted for or redeemed for cash.—
CBS LA Staff,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Therefore, the Jazz pose the biggest threat of standing in the Mavericks’ way in the race for fifth place.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Mar. 2026
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Outside the car window a vivid tropical sun set on Florida, Gary’s craggy, sunglassed profile standing in relief.—
Jonathan Bernstein,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Jovanovic was employed part-time by the Valparaiso Police Department as a civilian employee as a crossing guard, filling in at different schools as needed, Valparaiso Police said.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
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Another option to fill in your garden with greenery is the soft Summer Sunrise Panicum, a tall grass that changes color through the seasons from green to pink to gold to tan.—
Mary Grace Granados
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Now, fans are looking forward to the Illini continuing their run in the Sweet 16, but recognize that the competition only gets tougher.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
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According to the team, this setup not only produces similar high-fidelity simulations possible in supercomputers, but is considerably faster, enabling simulations to be run in just a week, rather than years.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Green Bay Police at 920-448-3200, using case number 26213075.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
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Golden ran onto the court as officials scrambled to untangle the scrum before calling technicals on each player and giving Iowa the ball.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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