step 1 of 2

Definition of stepnext
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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

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as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot steps in the sand leading into the water and back out again

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in path
steps plural the direction along which something or someone moves their steps led them through a long corridor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

step

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verb

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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
Noun
The lawsuit alleges the student loan servicer failed to take reasonable steps to protect consumers’ personal information in a 2022 data breach. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026 Users who've experienced a breach can check out our article on steps to protect yourself. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
Create a way for your peer group to step away. Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026 Fans are reacting strongly to the news of Val Kilmer returning to the screen without ever stepping on the set. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • Protesters also need the means of self-defense.
    Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Fall in the South means taking advantage of the bounty of fresh produce which, of course, includes butternut squash.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The plan is in its final stages and just requires Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's final approval.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Missouri State reached the Final Four in 2001, Texas went in 2003 and 2025, Oregon reached that stage in 2019 and Virginia Tech made it in 2023.
    Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Culpo followed in her parents' footsteps and was classically trained on the cello as a child.
    Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 19 Mar. 2026
  • On Baywatch, the wild child Hobie Buchannon (Amell) from the original series is now a Baywatch captain, following in the footsteps of his legendary father Mitch (played by David Hasselhoff in the OG series).
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Aguado says one possible path forward is filing a habeas corpus petition, which challenges the legality of Sousa's detention and could potentially lead to her release.
    Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • December 22 – January 19 Straightforward words make the path clearer.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Bain has 30 7/8-inch arms, while Howell’s are even shorter at 30 1/4.
    Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Riding on 21-inch alloy wheels, our Lexus RX350h F-Sport tester had exterior pizzazz and looked great with its recent redesign.
    Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But a leadoff walk in the top of the 9th allowed Eugenio Suárez to knock in what would prove to be the winning run, smacking a double to left center field and scoring pinch runner Javier Sonoja.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Gleyber Torres walked leading off the seventh against loser Michael Lorenzen, and Jackson Chourio’s two-out single put runners at the corners.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • When dancing among the trees, the tallest don’t always win, unless those trees also happen to be the most interested in the job that comes with height.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Six women in motorcycle jackets saunter onto the stage at the Coronado Historical Association, dancing to a goofy opening number.
    Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But hurry, the retailer deemed it a popular pick, so grab it before it's gone.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The district was represented by general counsel Devora Navera Reed as well as by an outside counsel who hurried to the scene.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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