1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
took steps to ensure that there would be no more incidences of food poisoning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in stage
an individual part of a process, series, or ranking
the manual enumerates every step in the procedure for shutting down the assembly line
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
5
as in inch
a very small distance or degree
he lives just a step away from his elderly mother, so he's there if she needs him for any reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to walk
to go on foot
I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to dance
to perform a series of usually rhythmic bodily movements to music
she was in her element, happily stepping around the dance floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to hurry
to proceed or move quickly
many people wanted to linger before the president's bier, but guards kept the line of mourners stepping forward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of step
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Phones are the obvious first step, but the larger question is how much screen time belongs in classrooms at all.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Raney has temporarily stepped away from a 28-1 team that is on a 21-game winning streak and has a shot at the greatest season in school history.
—Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
Kitty gives Lara Jean the courage to take that step to turn in her book to her publisher.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Phones are the obvious first step, but the larger question is how much screen time belongs in classrooms at all.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
As Tiger Woods steps away from golf and won’t be playing in the Masters next week, another golf legend won’t be on the grounds at Augusta National Golf Club.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Raney has temporarily stepped away from a 28-1 team that is on a 21-game winning streak and has a shot at the greatest season in school history.
—Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
McLeod also emphasized the urgency of incorporating and said that many people get the wrong message about what becoming a city means.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Luna himself has acknowledged never finding any, and department policy has always provided for the means to discipline and terminate any employee who engages in behavior that harms the public, fellow employees, or is otherwise prohibited by law.—
Opinion Staff,
Daily News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Orion capsule separated from the rocket's upper stage to enter a highly elliptical orbit around Earth.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Their mom is in hospice care, battling stage 4 brain cancer, and their dad was arrested this week by ICE.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The teenager is looking to follow in his father's footsteps, and counts Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde as his favorite guitarist.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
And while the circumstances of his birth may have been historic, Phillips’ education was traditional for the family, following in the footsteps of his uncle Charles and grandfather, Prince Philip, and cutting his teeth at Gordonstoun School in Scotland.—
Stephanie Bridger-Linning,
Vanity Fair,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There will be little temptation to venture away from the comforts of the resort’s idyllic and famously still beach, unless by boat, kayak, or bike to explore the surrounding archipelago’s dramatic cliffs, caves, and paths.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Understanding what the Bengals are seeking will set the foundation for understanding the paths, options and players most likely to be targeted April 22-24.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The victim suffered serious injuries to her right ear, right cheek and face, including a laceration that was about 6 inches long, officials said.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Even a little boy walked up to her and asked to give her a hug.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Nawrocki allowed an unearned run and struck out 12 while walking 2.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fans danced to Latin music blaring from the speakers.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Vásquez didn’t factor in the decision after a defensive miscue led to the bullpen briefly losing the lead, but the emerging starting pitcher danced in and out of trouble in keeping the Red Sox at bay on an evening in which the wind chill dropped the temperature into the high 20s.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An agent pointed to the other end of the terminal, and the woman hurried off.—
Ruby Cramer,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2026
-
But hurry, the retailer deemed it a popular pick, so grab it before it's gone.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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