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
The sector boomed in the years after the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, with private credit funds and other alternative investment vehicles stepping in to fill the lending gap created by the withdrawal of investment banks from riskier parts of the debt market.
—
Hugh Leask, CNBC, 6 May 2026
Jonathan Groff was the original star of a production that had many top-tier talents stepping in at different phases of the production’s elaborate run.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Robertson grounds both versions of Niall in a sad-eyed misery, with Bell stepping in and giving the character grace notes of humor that don’t always seem to fit the story.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
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
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
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
Hugh Leask, CNBC, 6 May 2026
Jonathan Groff was the original star of a production that had many top-tier talents stepping in at different phases of the production’s elaborate run.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Robertson grounds both versions of Niall in a sad-eyed misery, with Bell stepping in and giving the character grace notes of humor that don’t always seem to fit the story.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping in
Verb
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These days, many of those visiting the mall are not shopping at all.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
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On March 14, visiting SDFC led FC Dallas 3-1 before Petar Musa dragged the home side back.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Three out of the four teams still standing in the NCAA men’s volleyball tournament are Big West Conference teams.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
-
Totoro standing in profile against a bright cerulean backdrop.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
1 May 2026
Verb
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According to report last month by Morgan Stanley, there are signs the pill is already expanding the market – that is, customers aren’t just those substituting pens for pills, but many are GLP-1 newcomers.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
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These changes were to be achieved by increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, decreasing the consumption of meat and eggs, and substituting nonfat milk for whole milk.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kerr took a leave of absence to recover from debilitating complications following two back surgeries, then missed time again in 2017 with Mike Brown filling in as Kerr underwent a procedure to deal with a spinal fluid leak.—
Janie McCauley,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
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The school district said that a substitute teacher would be filling in for Amy during her leave.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Verb
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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
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The county is taking over day-to-day oversight of the initiative from United Way.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
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Sue Nabi left Coty in December 2025, with Markus Strobel taking over as interim CEO this January.—
Alex Wynne,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Michela Cava got the winner, her first with the Charge since coming over from Vancouver in a six-player deal back in January.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
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The Hive marks the expansion’s second of seven phases coming over the next 10 to 15 years, Watts said.—
Rose Evans
Updated May 8,
Idaho Statesman,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Why aren't prices dropping in response?—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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The 76ers were content to turn him into the shooter, leaving Embiid on him while still dropping in pick-and-roll coverage.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stepping in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20in. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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