step out

verb

stepped out; stepping out; steps out

intransitive verb

1

: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time

2

: to go or march at a vigorous or increased pace

3

: die

4

: to lead an active social life

5

: to be unfaithful

—usually used with on

had been stepping out on his wife

Synonyms

• cheat
• philander
• screw around

Examples of step out in a Sentence

if she catches him stepping out on her, she'll divorce him without a moment's hesitation

my greedy relatives are only being nice to me because they expect me to step out any time now

Recent Examples on the Web

In his signature raspy vocals that adds more pathos to his heart-wrenching songs, the Mexican American star steps out of his alt-regional sound that he’s pioneered to deliver a gorgeous acoustic ballad produced by Frank Rios and the artist himself. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 2 May 2025

The shooting occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday when Binion stepped out of the EZ Pawn shop at 468 E. 147th St., Harvey said in a statement. —Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025

Remember that true empathy requires stepping out of your perspective entirely to fully inhabit theirs, even briefly. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Pugh electrified the red carpet in Los Angeles earlier this week, stepping out on Monday, April 28, in a mint-green gown from Alexander McQueen's Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection. —Jen Juneau, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for step out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

step out

verb

: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time