STEPS Synonyms: 191 Similar and Opposite Words

steps 1 of 2

noun

plural of step

as in path

the direction along which something or someone moves their steps led them through a long corridor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

steps

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of step

as in walks

to go on foot I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in dances

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

as in speeds

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

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 steps

Noun

After receiving a notice, an insurer may investigate the allegations, dispute them, or take steps to cure the alleged violation. — Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 With far-right and far-left candidates in the lead to become France’s next president in the spring, markets are losing confidence that either side will take the painful steps necessary to rein in the deficit. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 The next steps are highly uncertain with the House and Senate on recess until after election day. — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The letter also highlights steps the league is taking to better protect players and personnel from harassment and threats by sports bettors. — Jessica Golden,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Enjoy the vistas outside on the private terrace or by the striking pool, located down a series of stone steps and ringed by umbrellas and sun loungers. — Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026 Knowing that before an executive steps behind a podium is part of understanding the audience, just as knowing the technical subject matter is, too. — Amanda Simonian, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 As California enters the fall wildfire season, a wildfire expert is urging residents in fire-prone areas to take steps to protect their homes, warning that strong winds, low humidity and flying embers can turn a small fire into a major disaster. — Steve Large, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Those looking to hike can take a short drive to Raggeds Wilderness Area, part of the Elk Mountains, to get in their steps. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Verb

The letter questioned if the technology would strain air traffic control’s system and what steps the FAA has taken to validate the accuracy and safety of the technology. — Mira Bhakta, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2026 Although Archway doesn’t have its own restaurant on-site, the property is located in the epicenter of Philadelphia’s buzziest dining corridor, with dozens of cafés, wine bars, and lauded restaurants just steps away. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026 Axel Rodríguez Olivas nervously steps onstage, carrying a violin. — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 From when the bucket drops to when Carrie steps off the stage, in real time, is about 90 seconds. — Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 Repeat steps four and five for 10 straight days to get $1,000 in FanCash. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 What steps SiriusXM will take to address the issue called to their attention by legions of working- and middle-class comics is not yet clear. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 Sunday’s parade steps off from the Civic Center MARTA Station and ends at the Charles Allen Gate of Piedmont Park. — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 6 Oct. 2026 The Athletic’s Chris Johnston recommends % Arabica, which has a location in the underground part of Union Station, steps away from Scotiabank Centre. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for steps

Noun

There’s relief in his escape but the path has left him feeling scorned, too.

— Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
Detours and shortcuts in the brain The cells and synapses of the brain aren’t arranged in rigid, linear paths for each task and experience.

— Sean Mccabe, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of path

Verb

While the live casting moment feels intense, the decisions that determine who walks, and who doesn’t, are the visible end of a process that starts long before any hopeful model enters the room.

— Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
Adam is being self-loathing, but Lee, who was listening, walks away.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of walks

Verb

There’s something in the imperfection of humanity, and the interior life of someone who dances or even someone who just smokes a cigarette, that’s not quite there yet.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
First, the sequence pays homage to the nightclub scene in Gilda (1946), in which Rita Hayworth dances in a long shot amid ogling male patrons, tracked by a concentrated spotlight.

— Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of dances

Verb

Researchers have identified a new bacterial enzyme that speeds up the breakdown of polyesters and bioplastics.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
For health care CFOs, the challenge is distinguishing between an AI tool that speeds up billing and one that helps patients get the right care in the right setting—potentially changing the economics of care itself.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of speeds

Noun

If a prescription costs $500 through insurance but $100 through Cost Plus Drugs, patients should be able to take the cheaper route and have that spending count toward their deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

— Emma Witman, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Fewer people pay directly for medical care, and government heavily subsidizes demand without increasing supply, a sure route to higher prices.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of route

Verb

Trump treads carefully The leaders last met in Beijing just four months ago, and could meet twice more later this year.

— Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Through rapid-fire verbal repartee, constant close-ups, and frantic cuts, Deramas treads a careful line between tragedy and comedy, the latter a psychological weapon against the former.

— Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of treads

Verb

If someone hurries you, slow the exchange and name what feels good in your body, like sitting down before deciding on plans.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Nix almost always hurries his throws when a blitz comes Harvey’s way, regardless of whether the rookie RB picks it up capably or not.

— Luca Evans, Denver Post, 23 Dec. 2025

Definition of hurries

Noun

Yet the clubs from small markets with relatively low payrolls found ways to play the best baseball in each of their respective leagues this season en route to the World Series.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026
Learning from human demonstrations offers another way to develop skills by using examples of how a task should be performed.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026