1
as in visited
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 substituted
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 stepped in
But on the first play of the series, Virginia’s Kam Robinson stepped in front of a Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele pass and returned it to the house.
—
Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
During a 2020 interview with DJ VLAD, Mack 10 rehashed the near-altercation with Common and reiterated that Fat Joe stepped in to smooth things over.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
One group, the Wichita Animal Action League (WAAL), stepped in to take the feline family.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Then Buffett stepped in to purchase about $5 billion of the company’s stock.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Vocal powerhouse and violinist Natalie Stovall stepped in for the duet and nailed a 12-second high note.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
That’s when the local fire department stepped in to spread the word.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
The band’s recent performances have marked the debut of their new drummer Ilan Rubin, joined the band this summer after the Foos parted ways with Josh Freese, who had stepped in after the 2022 death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Hat tips go to left tackle Jaylon Moore — who stepped in for Josh Simmons at the last minute, against one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league — and, of course, Kelce.
—Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
During a 2020 interview with DJ VLAD, Mack 10 rehashed the near-altercation with Common and reiterated that Fat Joe stepped in to smooth things over.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
One group, the Wichita Animal Action League (WAAL), stepped in to take the feline family.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Then Buffett stepped in to purchase about $5 billion of the company’s stock.
—Steve Booren, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Vocal powerhouse and violinist Natalie Stovall stepped in for the duet and nailed a 12-second high note.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
That’s when the local fire department stepped in to spread the word.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
The band’s recent performances have marked the debut of their new drummer Ilan Rubin, joined the band this summer after the Foos parted ways with Josh Freese, who had stepped in after the 2022 death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Hat tips go to left tackle Jaylon Moore — who stepped in for Josh Simmons at the last minute, against one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league — and, of course, Kelce.
—Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped in
Verb
-
Vietnam’s Communist Party chief, To Lam, visited North Korea in early October — the first such trip in nearly two decades — while reports suggest Hanoi may pursue the purchase of 40 Russian Su-35 fighter jets.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
3 Nov. 2025
-
More than 280 spacefarers from 26 countries have visited the International Space Station, including 170 from the United States alone, according to NASA.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Vinicius Jr started against Valencia on Saturday but was substituted in the 79th minute, at the same time as Kylian Mbappe.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Panko or gluten-free bread crumbs can also be substituted as needed.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The guest of honor Sunday was Scott, who stood in the road across Kavanaugh to serve as the event's honorary judge.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Phillips stood in the background as Jena-Lisa Jones detailed how Epstein pressured her to bring high school girls to his house.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Davis had previously been accused in a domestic violence case by a different ex-girlfriend; that case was dropped in August.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Jenna Fischer appeared on the show to help make gingerbread cake pops, Kinsey’s TV husband, Rainn Wilson, dropped in to whip up vegan avocado brownies and Kate Flannery joined in on the fun, serving up Irish potato candy.—
Audrey Schmidt,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin have filled in admirably at outside corner, and Robertson shifting back to nickel when Reed returns will round out the group.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
-
But Rollins’ vacant spot, at least, has now been filled in a shocking fashion.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This time, Andre took over the screen, sharing a quick on-camera kiss with Parker, eliciting laughter and cheers from the crowd.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Before Sayin took over starting duties, WIll Howard quarterbacked Ohio State to a College Football Playoff National Championship last season.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In some parts of the country, staffing levels have dropped by about half during the shutdown and has led to severe delays for some travelers—as long as 6 hours, 30 minutes, at times.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
-
In the same period, the number of children 14 or under dropped by half, while the number of people aged 65 and up increased by over 70%.—
John Ruwitch,
NPR,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The show, which ran in two six-part series, in 1975 and 1979, was a huge hit in Britain and went on to become a cult classic in the United States.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The first four drives for Stroud ended in punts, with no more than five plays ran in any of them.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stepped in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20in. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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