step 1 of 2

Definition of stepnext
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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

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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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in inch
a very small distance or degree he lives just a step away from his elderly mother, so he's there if she needs him for any reason

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

step

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verb

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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
Kitty gives Lara Jean the courage to take that step to turn in her book to her publisher. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026 Phones are the obvious first step, but the larger question is how much screen time belongs in classrooms at all. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
As Tiger Woods steps away from golf and won’t be playing in the Masters next week, another golf legend won’t be on the grounds at Augusta National Golf Club. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026 Raney has temporarily stepped away from a 28-1 team that is on a 21-game winning streak and has a shot at the greatest season in school history. Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • About 7 million barrels per day of that loss is being made up through other means, like the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates and the release of strategic reserves, according to Kpler data.
    Victor Ordonez, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • But Reich says philanthropy is still regularly used by people with means to cultivate their reputations.
    Katia Riddle, NPR, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Orion capsule separated from the rocket's upper stage to enter a highly elliptical orbit around Earth.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Their mom is in hospice care, battling stage 4 brain cancer, and their dad was arrested this week by ICE.
    Zach Boetto, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The teenager is looking to follow in his father's footsteps, and counts Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde as his favorite guitarist.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • And while the circumstances of his birth may have been historic, Phillips’ education was traditional for the family, following in the footsteps of his uncle Charles and grandfather, Prince Philip, and cutting his teeth at Gordonstoun School in Scotland.
    Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Earth catches chunks Comet from Thatcher’s debris path every year as our planet orbits the sun.
    Hali Smith March 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026
  • And Emma herself has work through some old feelings while also navigating a rocky path to their big day that has an implosive effect for those around them.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The victim suffered serious injuries to her right ear, right cheek and face, including a laceration that was about 6 inches long, officials said.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Even a little boy walked up to her and asked to give her a hug.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Nawrocki allowed an unearned run and struck out 12 while walking 2.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fans danced to Latin music blaring from the speakers.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Vásquez didn’t factor in the decision after a defensive miscue led to the bullpen briefly losing the lead, but the emerging starting pitcher danced in and out of trouble in keeping the Red Sox at bay on an evening in which the wind chill dropped the temperature into the high 20s.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • An agent pointed to the other end of the terminal, and the woman hurried off.
    Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But hurry, the retailer deemed it a popular pick, so grab it before it's gone.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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