steps in

verb

present tense third-person singular of step in
1
as in visits
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 substitutes
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 steps in One of fashion’s favorite sneaker brands is hoping to encourage more people to get their 10,000 steps in. — Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026 This can include addressing low visibility or reputational concerns, as well as inaccuracies—which is where a PR team steps in to ensure media outreach and content strategy are aligned. — Michelle Mekky, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Her first steps in fashion began as a model for Walter Albini, Krizia and Cadette, among others. — Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026 Checking these boxes will be the first steps in what is projected to be a long, productive hockey livelihood. — Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 The developments mark key steps in tackling an economic crisis sparked by the discovery of previously unreported debt. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Most notably, Softaculous failed to follow one of the most common safety steps in software development, which is to validate software updates using code signing. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 Its approach targets one of the most difficult steps in the rare earth supply chain. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 One of her most iconic scenes from that episode occurs when a stunt double steps in to do a series of back handsprings and the worm, while appearing to be Parton herself. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steps in
  1. visits
  2. substitutes
  3. drops in
  4. stands in
  5. runs in
  6. fills in
  7. calls
Verb
  • In the same month Netflix released Train Dreams, the film version of Denis Johnson’s revered short novel about a logger whose deceased baby daughter visits him in the form of a wolf.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Her disabled son, who lives in nearby Round Rock, often visits to escape the bustling traffic, chain stores and rapid growth that have quickly defined many of the outskirts of Austin.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of visits
Verb
  • This approach substitutes information for sensation, and reduces both human and supra-human experiences to the level of data.
    — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • So Tuchel, who always substitutes his wingers after roughly an hour, decided to withdraw Gordon and bring on an extra defender, Ezri Konsa.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of substitutes
Verb
  • For most players, offensive production drops in October, when batters face the best pitchers from the best teams.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • That would affect jobs and cause drops in sales, property and tourism taxes.
    — Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of drops in
Verb
  • Raman’s questionnaire stands in contrast with those of some of her DSA colleagues.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In one sequence, Sam stands in the middle of a rope bridge, catching a gold bar thrown at him from one side of a gorge, and then throwing it to the other side quickly enough that the weight of the gold doesn’t snap the precarious wooden planks.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of stands in
Verb
  • For the second straight day, the Sox scored multiple runs in the first inning.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The Dodgers have held opponents to four or fewer runs in 108 games, going 82-26 in those contests.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of runs in
Verb
  • This is the language the show has used thus far, in that Hal often comes to conclusions and fills in the gaps for us after the fact.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
  • But the clever props design (Bruce Dickinson and Anna Kraus) fills in any shoestring gaps.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of fills in
Verb
  • In the first instance, Flora calls Carla to tell her the honey-trap plan is done.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Drizzled over the top is what Greenspan calls Jewish Chili Crunch, or JCC.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of calls

Browse Nearby Words

steps down (from)
steps in
steps into
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steps in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steps%20in. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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