1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
took steps to ensure that there would be no more incidences of food poisoning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
4
5
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
1
as in to walk
to go on foot
I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to dance
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
3
as in to hurry
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.
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Recent Examples of step
Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen said city leaders are hopeful the system will improve safety and help restore residents' faith that steps are being taken.
—CBS News, 14 May 2026
Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 14 May 2026
These gumballs aren’t just painful to step on, though.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
Next, add a fraud alert to your credit file, which requires creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit.
—Miranda Marquit, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen said city leaders are hopeful the system will improve safety and help restore residents' faith that steps are being taken.
—CBS News, 14 May 2026
Verb
After years of tariffs, market volatility, and rising expectations around transformation and AI, some CFOs may be choosing to step away rather than reinvent themselves for the role’s next phase.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 14 May 2026
These gumballs aren’t just painful to step on, though.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
-
The rooms The rooms here were last renovated in 2017—just a hair earlier than Four Seasons One Dalton Street’s rooms, which opened in 2019, but are by no means old or inferior.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
Some viewers even felt its liberal use of absurdity in fact grounded the show in the real world compared to the high-minded weepies on daytime, achieving honesty through nontraditional means.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Rashad knows that even now, at this late stage in hip-hop’s evolution, rappers are expected to guard their reputations carefully.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
-
Daniella Segura Thursday evening's debate marks the fifth time the seven candidates have taken the stage in recent weeks.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The place is a sound-effects recording studio, with three sound designers creating and dubbing aural effects — footsteps on a sandy beach, flapping bird wings — onto pieces of film footage.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
14 May 2026
-
While these models remain the exception not the rule in the US, more are following in Paul Newman, Rick Plympton, and Mike Mandina’s footsteps.—
Alex Amouyel,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The causeway is also home to one of Miami’s most popular running paths, an 8-mile stretch with turquoise ocean views.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
As boldly charismatic as Caballero appeared on stage, his path to performing in the family circus was hardly clear-cut.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
With a pole that is about one inch thicker than similar Spalding hoops and an additional powder coating, the company offers resistance to weather and rust.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
Cleaning every inch of a car interior is a daunting task, with dirt somehow making its way into every crevice between cupholders and seatbelts.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
They’re crafted from organic cotton, which shoppers say is soft, breathable, and comfortable enough for walking, commuting, or sitting through long travel days.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
-
For a shorter jog or walk, also with stunning views of the bay, take the path around the back of the hotel on Brickell Bay Drive, then go down Brickell Ave and take a lap around Brickell Key island.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Bar staff are dancing atop a column attempting to pour champagne down a woman’s throat.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
16 May 2026
-
Memorable concerts have included a 2019 interdisciplinary arts program featuring everything from music for two pianos to dance and children’s favorites, as well as a 2020 performance celebrating the installation of the bells.—
Susan Soldavin,
Baltimore Sun,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Set over the course of eight years (including the lockdown period during COVID), Herry’s film unfolds fluidly, neither hurrying scenes up unnecessarily, nor lingering too long on any incident.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
17 May 2026
-
But hurry — popular sizes are selling out fast.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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