1
as in walking
to go on foot
I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
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
3
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
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Recent Examples of stepping
In lieu of medication, Pantoliano followed doctor's orders by stepping outside for a casual walk every day.
—
Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
People standing in front of the car doors must move aside to let passengers off first—even if that means briefly stepping off the train and onto the platform.
—Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
That may mean stepping away from cancer conversations, limiting time in online forums or simply protecting activities that have nothing to do with treatment.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
Once reserved for the studio, the style is stepping firmly into the fashion spotlight.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 12 June 2026
No one enjoys sitting on cushions covered in bird droppings or stepping over bird poop on the way across the patio.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
When organizations protect these windows in advance and senior leaders visibly respect them, employees get usable space for focus, movement, appointments, life admin or simply rest—without having to request it, justify it or wonder whether stepping away will be held against them.
—Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
On Sunday, May 3, the former athlete shared a series of photos on her Instagram, showing Jett wearing a matching long-sleeve shirt and pants and stepping on the back of a truck where his dirt bike was strapped on.
—Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Khloe Kardashian was spotted stepping onto a boat near the Circuit de Monaco ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, and the unique heel style was on full display thanks to a side view of the shoe.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
People standing in front of the car doors must move aside to let passengers off first—even if that means briefly stepping off the train and onto the platform.
—Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
That may mean stepping away from cancer conversations, limiting time in online forums or simply protecting activities that have nothing to do with treatment.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
Once reserved for the studio, the style is stepping firmly into the fashion spotlight.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 12 June 2026
No one enjoys sitting on cushions covered in bird droppings or stepping over bird poop on the way across the patio.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
When organizations protect these windows in advance and senior leaders visibly respect them, employees get usable space for focus, movement, appointments, life admin or simply rest—without having to request it, justify it or wonder whether stepping away will be held against them.
—Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
On Sunday, May 3, the former athlete shared a series of photos on her Instagram, showing Jett wearing a matching long-sleeve shirt and pants and stepping on the back of a truck where his dirt bike was strapped on.
—Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Khloe Kardashian was spotted stepping onto a boat near the Circuit de Monaco ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, and the unique heel style was on full display thanks to a side view of the shoe.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping
Verb
-
Designed to resemble a California Craftsman-style village, the property’s cliffside paths stay active throughout the day—couples walking hand in hand, families heading toward the beach, and dogs making their morning, afternoon, and sunset rounds.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
Today, there is a visitor center nearby, along with miles of walking trails.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
There’s also a quintet of dancing poodles named Lollipups.—
David Lyman,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Dec. 2025
-
In the sporty video, McRae is seen dancing in a hockey rink, doing splits at the front desk and riding around on a Zamboni.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
There was a flurry of excitement; groups of people carrying bottles of sparkling wine were rushing down to the sea.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
Throw in the signing of dual threat quarterback Malik Willis with the drafting of mauling offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor as well as Will Kacmarek, arguably the best blocking tight end of the 2026 class, and all signs point to the Dolphins having an elite rushing attack for quite some time.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Apparently, the man had been treading water for about 11 hours.—
Skyler Trepel,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 May 2026
-
Adler had fallen off the wakeboard and was treading water when she was struck.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
For years, Democratic state officials saw little urgency in hurrying the process, prioritizing accuracy and voter participation over speed in determining results.—
Russell Berman,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
-
Navigating crowds of busy, hurrying people – including children and the elderly – without any accidents or even incidents.—
John Koetsier,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2026
Verb
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In the 36 years since then, she’s been on six different treatments and — despite multiple relapses with symptoms ranging from blurred vision to migraines and memory loss — has enjoyed a peripatetic life with Fox, traveling around the country and the world and cherishing every moment together.—
ANDREW ABRAHAMS,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
-
The department confirmed on Thursday that an unvaccinated child in Fairfield County, under the age of 10, was diagnosed with measles after recently traveling internationally.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
After the ceremony came a globe-trotting honeymoon, as the couple vacationed in Mykonos, Positano, and London.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
10 June 2026
-
Richards gave millions of dollars to the cult, Eternal Values, while living a double life as both a globe-trotting supermodel and obedient cult member, as reported in a recent story in The Hollywood Reporter.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
After flying overnight from San Antonio back to the Big Apple, Jose Alvarado, also a native New Yorker, took part in a local Puerto Rican Day Parade, and the mayor joined him in the fun.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
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Videos circulating online show Eduarda flying through the air, both arms outstretched, in the moments before her death.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stepping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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