1
2
as in stage
an individual part of a process, series, or ranking the manual enumerates every step in the procedure for shutting down the assembly line

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot steps in the sand leading into the water and back out again

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in path
steps plural the direction along which something or someone moves their steps led them through a long corridor

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

step

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3

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 step
Noun
Now, conservationists are taking steps to restore Europe’s flat oyster populations and their reefs. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 July 2025 The Trump administration has taken major steps to roll back all three. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 29 July 2025
Verb
The event stepped off at 3 p.m. July 26 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, continued along the lakefront path and finished at Rate Field. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025 But within the year, Granato announced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and stepped away from the rink to focus on his health. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • Live, in-store performances and tapings will level up with new equipment and the remodeled stage will feature historic flooring from the original Austin City Limits Studio 6A space, donated by KLRU.
    Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 29 July 2025
  • The grievances are at Level 3, which means the district and education association were unable to come to an agreement at the Level 1 or Level 2 stage.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • The strategy is a sensible one, and other schools should follow in Columbia’s footsteps.
    The Editors, National Review, 28 July 2025
  • The program follows in the footsteps of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, who are in the process of launching their own Drone as First Responder program, and other major departments nationwide like the New York Police Department.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • But here their paths had diverged—Sunny’s to New York City, Satya’s to Rochester.
    Kiran Desai, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
  • The path is potentially clear for a Fantastic Four three-peat at next week's domestic cage match, though one film may possess the power to overtake the title.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The couple's son was born on Tuesday, July 29, in Albany, New York, weighing 8 lbs., 13 oz., and measuring 20 inches long.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 31 July 2025
  • Hochul’s office warned that some regions could see up to five inches of rainfall, creating a 70% chance of flash flooding that could impact basements and the subway.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • In the ninth, the Dodgers added another run after Alex Call walked, went to third on a hustling double by Ohtani, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Betts.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
  • For instance, people on bicycles or skateboards may be asked to dismount and walk down the ramp into Buccaneer Park.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Mary Shelley’s creature didn’t dance in tux and tails.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The stunning display is caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, and tonight's conditions are just right for the colors to be seen dancing across the sky — weather permitting.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Several people were seen hurrying to help Warren, including Susan Collins of Maine and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who grabbed her by her forearm to lift her up.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Then Maye barked signals and hurried the offense back to the line, as the defense showed blitz.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • To maximize this opportunity, brands should use a variety of experiential activations, carefully track which attract the most participation, and measure dwell time and behavioral engagement.
    Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • But for Clunie, the real measure lies in the leaders his student-athletes become after graduation.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 11 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on step

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!