1
as in visiting
to make a brief visit
I just stepped in to say hi on my way to class
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stepping in
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
With New Mexico’s cannabis market at a crossroads, a new association is stepping in to rally businesses, push reforms, and help guide the industry’s future.
—Benjamin Adams, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
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
With New Mexico’s cannabis market at a crossroads, a new association is stepping in to rally businesses, push reforms, and help guide the industry’s future.
—Benjamin Adams, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping in
Verb
-
That said, finding the right mortgage interest rate for your needs and goals isn't always as simple as visiting your local banking branch.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Zuraff’s case has become the latest flashpoint in Florida’s debate over medical freedom, as video footage of state workers visiting her house in 2024 circulates online.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The result has also called into question Labour’s decision to block Andy Burnham, the hugely popular Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester who is seen as a potential leadership rival to Starmer, from standing in the election.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
-
On a power play, Cale Makar fired a shot on net, where Sam Reinhart was standing in front of the Finnish goalie.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 Feb. 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
-
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
-
Abdullah had been filling in for another doctor that day.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Inside the Talarico decision The CBS intervention stemmed from Colbert’s interview with James Talarico, a Texas state representative and rising star in the Democratic Party, who is currently running in the Texas Senate primary.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Middleton is currently running in the Republican primary for Texas Attorney General.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
How to Stop Them Prevent grubs from taking over your yard this spring by adjusting your watering schedule.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
-
When taking over Credit Suisse, UBS fully committed to getting the investigation back on track and has since taken extensive steps to facilitate Barofsky’s review, Karofsky said.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Zimmer’s had plenty of recent in-state ties, too, coming over to Colorado as a part of Deion Sanders’ staff in 2023 after spending a year with him at Jackson State in 2022.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Since coming over from Denver a few years ago, she's helped develop a first-of-its-kind plan for Aurora that focuses on the many multi-million-dollar emergency services projects.—
Kelly Werthmann,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
