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
Body camera video shows Padilla immediately stepping in to help.
—
Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Anthony Volpe Suffered a Shoulder Injury Volpe was missing from the Yankees’ Opening Day roster in March 2026, with José Caballero stepping in as the starting shortstop.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
The stock successfully bounced off the $45 level, suggesting buyers are stepping in following the recent sell-off.
—Tony Zhang, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
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
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
Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Anthony Volpe Suffered a Shoulder Injury Volpe was missing from the Yankees’ Opening Day roster in March 2026, with José Caballero stepping in as the starting shortstop.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
The stock successfully bounced off the $45 level, suggesting buyers are stepping in following the recent sell-off.
—Tony Zhang, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping in
Verb
-
There are nearby fishing villages that are definitely worth visiting, but no other places to stay within a 30-minute drive.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The Royals partied in the visiting clubhouse at Atlanta.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When that failed to stop her, Kennedy screamed at the sergeant standing in the car’s path.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 27,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The only thing standing in the way of progress is the powerful plastics and fossil fuel lobbyists — hired by the same companies responsible for polluting our planet and bodies with plastic and its toxic chemicals.—
Shanna Swan,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Now, if oil prices remain elevated, those same firms will face fresh cost pressures and few, or no, options for substituting oil.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
-
For an extra kick, try substituting spicy Italian sausage for the mild.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Kotb has been filling in for Guthrie in her absence.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Jovanovic was employed part-time by the Valparaiso Police Department as a civilian employee as a crossing guard, filling in at different schools as needed, Valparaiso Police said.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Four Republicans are also running in Tuesday's primary, but a Republican hasn't won in the district since 2010.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Miller, who has held the seat since 2018, chose not to seek reelection in favor of running in the crowded 2nd Congressional District race.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Daniel Radcliffe, the original Harry Potter in the movies, has given his blessing to the series and wished McLaughlin well in taking over the role.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Popular local bakery chain Estelle Bakery & Patisserie is set to expand into a new location, taking over the space at 400 Iron Point Road.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Their big man was essential on the biggest stage Thursday night after coming over from Florida Atlantic in the offseason.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Defenseman John Carlson finally made his Ducks debut after coming over in a trade-deadline deal with Washington.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Reports of passenger assaults began dropping in 2025, although not enough data has been released for last year to compute complete, comparable rates among the systems.—
Talia Soglin,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Stepping in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20in. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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