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
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Recent Examples of step
Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
July 23 – August 22 Thinking a few steps ahead could be crucial now.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
William Jones, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Oppenheimer’s priority was telling a complete story and then stepping away.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
This step includes canceling the student picture day scheduled for Thursday at Hilbert Elementary, a school in Wayne County's Redford Township that enrolls students pre-K through grade 6.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
July 23 – August 22 Thinking a few steps ahead could be crucial now.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
For someone who had commanded the attention of thousands, his decision to completely step away was a shock for many.
—William Jones, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Oppenheimer’s priority was telling a complete story and then stepping away.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
The resort is not screen-free by any means, but given the abundance of activities, the natural beauty of the landscape, and the coziness of the space, very few people seemed to feel the need to be on their phones or tablets—and instead spent time connecting.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Torres has a controversial legacy in Colombia, where conservatives have long derided his decision to seek political change through violent means.—
Manuel Rueda,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But fans remain hopeful, especially as Team USA’s men’s hockey team — which has advanced to the knockout stage — prepares for a critical matchup today that could determine their medal chances.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
By the same stage in this one, the figure was 23.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In September 2025, Astin followed in the footsteps of his mom, Patty Duke, when he was elected the National President of SAG-AFTRA.—
Sarah Weldon,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Martinez is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Mark, who placed fourth in the 144-pound weight class at the Class 2A state meet for Deerfield in 2024.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Tateishi found his path to activism in the 1970s, as anger swelled among young former detainees about their imprisonment, which the government had yet to acknowledge as an injustice.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
-
But the path to income-tax repeal could actually be even simpler, by using surplus revenue to automatically reduce it over time.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.—
Ryan Murphy,
IndyStar,
19 Feb. 2026
-
All other bags must be clear and no larger than 12-by-12-by-6 inches.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Getting down to the beach also requires walking off-piste.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
During the show’s 2023 Broadway run, SRO audiences were encouraged to dance in place and ponder despots at the same time — a greater disassotiative challenge than walking and chewing gum at the same time, but hardly an insurmountable one.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The men who had asked Mother to dance were obviously the ones who approved, but they were not supposed to identify themselves to her.—
Nicholas Lemann,
New Yorker,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Residents who have returned to Indian border villages wish the officials would hurry up.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But hurry—today is your last chance to score up to 65 percent off on best-selling styles.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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