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
-
Some were seen walking away after escaping the aircraft.—
Diego Mendoza,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
Despite living and walking the streets of Philadelphia 250 years ago, the research conducted by America's Founding Fathers continues to play a pivotal role in helping scientists understand how the Earth's climate is changing.—
Brandon Goldner,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
The pre-match party was packed with hundreds of people at the Discovery Center with Caribbean music, Haitian food and plenty of dancing.—
Dan Snyder,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
-
Season 5 opens with Roddy dancing through London.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
That’s the kind of mentality Boise State’s edge rushing group for the 2026 season should expect.—
Shaun Goodwin
June 17,
Idaho Statesman,
17 June 2026
-
Share a bold idea, and invite honest feedback without rushing the room.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
Verb
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The backlash was so fierce, Anthropic quickly made adjustments to the policy, as Wired reported on Wednesday, highlighting just how carefully the company is treading.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
11 June 2026
-
Apparently, the man had been treading water for about 11 hours.—
Skyler Trepel,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Set over the course of eight years (including the lockdown period during COVID), Herry’s film unfolds fluidly, neither hurrying scenes up unnecessarily, nor lingering too long on any incident.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
17 May 2026
-
No point hurrying toward a resolution that was always receding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Prosecutors say Wilburn was traveling about 100 mph on Cherry Valley Boulevard with lights and sirens activated, responding to a report of a shooting.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Drivers are reminded to exercise patience, remain attentive and use caution while traveling through the area.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2026
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 21 Jun. 2026.
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