1
as in visiting
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 standing in
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 stepping in
Clearly, American is happy that the FAA is stepping in to intervene.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
April was stepping in for CJ Robbins, who was promoted to Minnesota’s defensive line coach.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
Across Philadelphia, residents say progress is happening in different ways — sometimes through city crews and sometimes through neighbors stepping in to help one another.
—Eva Andersen, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
The Budapest Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday asked the courts to level a fine against Karacsony for stepping in to co-organize the event under the auspices of the capital municipality, according a statement published on Wednesday.
—Thomas Escritt, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
According to Ann Louise Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP, a licensed pediatric psychologist, stepping in too quickly when your kids face a challenge can unintentionally backfire.
—Janelle Jones, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026
The singer also missed one episode of The Voice in August after her ex-husband's death, with fellow American Idol vet Jennifer Hudson stepping in as a temporary coach for season 29.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
As seasoned workers retire, the next generation is not stepping in fast enough to replace them.
—Mark Rayfield, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Trotter’s wife, Tanya, echoes her husband’s enthusiasm and is even looking forward to stepping in the ring for some physicality, if needed.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2025
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
April was stepping in for CJ Robbins, who was promoted to Minnesota’s defensive line coach.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
Across Philadelphia, residents say progress is happening in different ways — sometimes through city crews and sometimes through neighbors stepping in to help one another.
—Eva Andersen, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
The Budapest Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday asked the courts to level a fine against Karacsony for stepping in to co-organize the event under the auspices of the capital municipality, according a statement published on Wednesday.
—Thomas Escritt, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
According to Ann Louise Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP, a licensed pediatric psychologist, stepping in too quickly when your kids face a challenge can unintentionally backfire.
—Janelle Jones, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026
The singer also missed one episode of The Voice in August after her ex-husband's death, with fellow American Idol vet Jennifer Hudson stepping in as a temporary coach for season 29.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
As seasoned workers retire, the next generation is not stepping in fast enough to replace them.
—Mark Rayfield, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Trotter’s wife, Tanya, echoes her husband’s enthusiasm and is even looking forward to stepping in the ring for some physicality, if needed.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping in
Verb
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Start by visiting Elmina Castle, the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, founded by Portuguese colonizers in 1482.—
Melanie van Zyl,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Mar. 2026
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And following every swish, the Rockets crowd broke from tradition and applauded the visiting guard.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Blitt’s cover image shows the President at his Florida golf resort standing in his martial golf cart alongside his caddy and Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth.—
Françoise Mouly,
New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2026
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The only thing standing in their way is their final case, but that shouldn’t be a problem, because Pringus and Bench have never lost one.—
Hershal Pandya,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Researchers avoided contaminating the samples with other plastics by substituting standard tools with those made of aluminum, cotton and other non-plastic material, the release noted.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
1 Mar. 2026
-
These releases did not grant full freedom but rather are a precautionary measure substituting imprisonment.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Dolphins could try to re-sign impending free agent Riley Patterson, who went 27 for 29 on field goals last season while filling in for Sanders.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
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To achieve a more natural look when filling in your brows, think vertical (or at a 45 degree angle at the very most)—never horizontal.—
Lottie Winter,
Glamour,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Prominent Georgia political figures like former representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Senators Ossoff and Warnock have denounced the attacks, while candidates to replace MTG and others running in midterm elections have backed the president.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Traynere is running in the Democratic primary March 17 with running mate Barbara Ann Parker.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kruger, meanwhile, got her start taking over for Ashley Bashioum as Mackenzie Browning on The Young and the Restless in 2002.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Mar. 2026
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The museum shuttered in 2007, with Palazzo Lucarini Contemporary taking over its space, while the Prague Biennale and attendant exhibitions ceased operations after its 2013 edition.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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McDermott, 55, with more than 30 years’ experience, had worked with Pettit in the Crown Point Community School Corporation before coming over to Duneland to become his top assistant in 2019.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
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Joveljić had 18 goals in 32 appearances last season after coming over from the 2024 MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Even just dropping in to hold the baby so her daughter can take a one-hour nap goes a long way.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 2026
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When playing within their own half, United adjust into a 5-4-1 with the No 10s dropping in to better protect central midfield.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stepping in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20in. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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