STEPPING Synonyms: 177 Similar and Opposite Words

stepping

verb

present participle of step

as in walking

to go on foot I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in dancing

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

as in rushing

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of stepping From ice vibrations to magnetic signals, researchers are finding new ways to collect Arctic data without stepping onto the ice. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026 But after stepping outside of the vehicle, Stevens said, the driver did not comply with officers’ requests. — Jenny Jarvie follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 For frontman and primary songwriter Nathan Willett, the exercise has resembled stepping through a time portal. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2026 Around the world, scientists are working in less stereotypical environments on unusual research projects, such as gently stepping on different parts of a venomous snake, to work out what exactly will make the animal bite a human. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 After stepping away from the show for Season 14, the model quickly returned for the 15th season in 2020 and remained as a judge until Season 19 in 2024. — Joelle Goldstein, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 The Trojans, who took up too much floor space on the Bowl stage to do any marching, per se, were themselves preceded by Stroll Groove, a small dance troupe that specializes in the slightly nostalgic art of stepping. — Chris Willman, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 Day being out opens the door for true freshman JJ Dunnigan, who has impressed since stepping on campus in the spring, to have a significant role early on Friday. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 During therapy, Matias practices stepping, balance and body control, using sensors and specialized exercises to help improve his movement and coordination. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping

Verb

Diamondbacks reliever Juan Morillo (4-4) struck out three in a row after walking the first batter of the ninth.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Timber returned from an ongoing groin issue at the weekend against Sunderland, only to be followed by White walking off gingerly in back-to-back games.

— Art de Roché, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of walking

Verb

This movie features a flash mob with you and Jasmine Trinca dancing to the Rolling Stones.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
Built for polar exploration, this vessel features a cozy alpine-meets-the-sea vibe, with faux-fur pillows, plush blankets for staying warm and three fireplaces with dancing water vapor flames.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of dancing

Verb

Only the boy’s early obsession with the keyboard—initially discouraged by his parents—pointed to his destiny as a globe-trotting concert pianist, a composer in the major classical genres, and a fluent essayist and autobiographer to boot.

— Matthew Gurewitsch, Air Mail, 29 Aug. 2026
With his dog trotting closely behind him, Harlow greeted fans as many waited in line for New Balance backpacks and swag.

— Ruby Grisin, Louisville Courier Journal, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of trotting

Verb

The other seats are all chained to the table for when Carrie sends everything in the room flying.

— Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
In 1983, the 12m yacht Azzurra — flying the YCCS burgee — represented Italy for the first time in the long history of the America’s Cup, the oldest sports trophy in international sport, finishing third in the challenger series at its first attempt.

— Andrew Rice, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026