1
as in to visit
to make a brief visit
I just stepped in to say hi on my way to class
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to substitute
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.
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Recent Examples of step in
Moeller’s music has always balanced beauty with foreboding—dub techno is nothing if not a melodramatic genre—but his newfound rhythmic restraint and beat wizardry feel like a step in a different direction.
—
Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
Startups don’t want to spend their time on model optimization, which creates an opening for new players to step in and satisfy that market niche.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The final step in the negotiations — an impasse hearing — is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
The team asked for a sit-down with county planning officials, a typical preliminary step in any major development.
—Max Chesnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
Startups don’t want to spend their time on model optimization, which creates an opening for new players to step in and satisfy that market niche.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026
The final step in the negotiations — an impasse hearing — is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
The team asked for a sit-down with county planning officials, a typical preliminary step in any major development.
—Max Chesnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
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Those affected by the scheme can visit Agridime’s website to see how the company is handling investors’ claims.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Feb. 2026
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The woman entered the United States in August 2023 and was admitted as a tourist to visit San Antonio, and after that had multiple entries into the country, according to a criminal complaint against Wilkinson.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
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However, supplements don’t substitute for a balanced diet or work to treat cardiovascular disease, Saba emphasizes.—
Mara Santilli,
Flow Space,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The sobering assessment stood in stark contrast to a year of headlines celebrating China’s AI boom.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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Protesters stood in front of the main gate and refused to leave.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That disappointment disappeared Tuesday when Bennett was named to the team as a late replacement, filling in for Tampa Bay’s injured forward Anthony Cirelli.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
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Fans will be part of an interactive experience before kickoff, where the America250 logo will appear in the stands, which will be filled in red, white and blue thanks to panels given to each fan in attendance, making for a picture-perfect patriotic scene that all will see on television.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Gore appeared in two postseason games during the Royals’ World Series run in 2015 and in one game during the Braves’ World Series run in 2021.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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Since the Meyer teams’ national-title runs in 2006 and 2008, only Dan Mullen — Meyer’s former offensive coordinator and play-calling savant — produced an entertaining product until his program lost its way in 2021.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Training and case management through FRAP is supposed to help attorneys deal with what Clegg calls a difficult area of law.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
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Kennedy Basham was called for a foul on the play and Masogayo sank the and-1 for the win.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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