as in tapered
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in walked
to go on foot
I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in danced
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 sped
to proceed or move quickly
many people wanted to linger before the president's bier, but guards kept the line of mourners stepping forward
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Recent Examples of stepped
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
When Vanderbilt became demonstrative, Austin Reaves — who didn't play due to injury — stepped between his teammate and the head coach, along with assistant coach Nate McMillan.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
In the wake of last month’s rollover car accident and DUI charge, the five-time Masters winner has stepped away from golf indefinitely and reportedly could be receiving treatment in Switzerland for an addiction to painkillers.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
The ball bounced into Anthony’s glove just as Brice Turang stepped on third base and headed home to try to score the go-ahead run.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
About an hour later, Guthrie, joined by her colleagues, stepped outside and greeted her supporters.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026
Guthrie stepped away in February and was replaced in the interim by Hoda Kotb, who previously exited the show in 2025 after nearly 20 years.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2026
Up to the plate stepped dangerous slugger Kyle Schwarber, the longtime Rockie killer, who ripped a ball 107 mph to deep center.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Despite later holding positions that appeared political or bureaucratic, Sabti said Vahidi never truly stepped away from the Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s powerful military and intelligence arm, meaning his role remained closely tied to the regime’s security and operational apparatus.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
Into that vacuum stepped irregular armed groups, criminal organizations and military units that began controlling extraction sites and local populations.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
When Vanderbilt became demonstrative, Austin Reaves — who didn't play due to injury — stepped between his teammate and the head coach, along with assistant coach Nate McMillan.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
In the wake of last month’s rollover car accident and DUI charge, the five-time Masters winner has stepped away from golf indefinitely and reportedly could be receiving treatment in Switzerland for an addiction to painkillers.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
The ball bounced into Anthony’s glove just as Brice Turang stepped on third base and headed home to try to score the go-ahead run.
—Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
About an hour later, Guthrie, joined by her colleagues, stepped outside and greeted her supporters.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026
Guthrie stepped away in February and was replaced in the interim by Hoda Kotb, who previously exited the show in 2025 after nearly 20 years.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2026
Up to the plate stepped dangerous slugger Kyle Schwarber, the longtime Rockie killer, who ripped a ball 107 mph to deep center.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Despite later holding positions that appeared political or bureaucratic, Sabti said Vahidi never truly stepped away from the Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s powerful military and intelligence arm, meaning his role remained closely tied to the regime’s security and operational apparatus.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped
Adjective
-
Kirk and other retailers say that sales of tabletop items — everything from tapered candles to plates — are rapid-fire growth drivers, outpacing other categories of decor like bedding and decorative objects.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Slimmer and tapered cuts (like the ones below) look great on petite frames.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Brock, a Utah Valley signee, doubled with no outs in the fifth to drive in Melia Vera who walked to lead off the inning.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
-
When the clock finally ran out, Auriemma walked straight to the tunnel and didn’t shake hands.—
Doug Feinberg,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Ma’s bow danced over the strings; Ax’s fingers glistened across the keys.—
Jane Bua,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Fans danced to Latin music blaring from the speakers.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Several cars sped out of the parking lot before the victim ran away and collapsed.—
Tara Lynch,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Whatever the government claims to be planning should be speeded up.—
Robert Hormats,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Create phased repair plans for critical maintenance over 10 years.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Construction, which will include an exterior remodeling, is expected to begin later this year with phased openings, including additional retail, dining and wellness concepts, in 2028.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The waterfall itself was surprisingly large and powerful, with its spray spotting cellphone screens as tourists hurried to take selfies in front of it, despite its fair distance from the pond's fence line.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Louise then hurried to the curb and turned to watch the car whirr away.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The coyote grabbed the boy and took him to the ground before a nearby adult rushed over and scared the animal away.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
-
In December 2024, Pintauro revealed he was rushed to the hospital following a Thanksgiving scooter accident.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
All three Mets runners scored as Baty scurried to third with a triple.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
With Game 3 of the World Series underway at Dodger Stadium last October, a few folks scurried across a pedestrian bridge with LED lights and blue glow sticks.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stepped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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