1
as in visited
to make a brief visit
I just stepped in to say hi on my way to class
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in substituted
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
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Recent Examples of stepped in
Then the Fed stepped in with a bold half-point rate cut to stave off further weakening.
—
Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Rubin, formerly of Nine Inch Nails, joined the band this summer after the Foos parted ways with Josh Freese, who had stepped in after the 2022 death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
The complaint states Wallace could not answer questions during an open hearing before the Joint Budget Committee and Profiri stepped in to testify.
—Penny Weaver, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2025
Earlier this month, the Missouri State Tax Commission stepped in to require the county to increase assessed property values for all homes.
—Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Steve Sarkisian was hired to be the head coach for 2014, but Helton stepped in and guided the Trojans to a 45-20 victory in the bowl game, then went back to an assistant’s role on Sarkisian’s staff.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
Her father stepped in to try to avoid his daughter being charged with a felony, according to the complaint.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Boyer's close friend and financial partner Andy Fagg stepped in with a handful of employee-operators to run Duke's until late 2023, when Patrick Kennedy purchased the restaurant.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 12 Aug. 2025
Little baby Doe seemed destined for a life in the foster care system and perhaps adoption down the line until a judge stepped in.
—Susan Young, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
Rubin, formerly of Nine Inch Nails, joined the band this summer after the Foos parted ways with Josh Freese, who had stepped in after the 2022 death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
The complaint states Wallace could not answer questions during an open hearing before the Joint Budget Committee and Profiri stepped in to testify.
—Penny Weaver, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2025
Earlier this month, the Missouri State Tax Commission stepped in to require the county to increase assessed property values for all homes.
—Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Steve Sarkisian was hired to be the head coach for 2014, but Helton stepped in and guided the Trojans to a 45-20 victory in the bowl game, then went back to an assistant’s role on Sarkisian’s staff.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025
Her father stepped in to try to avoid his daughter being charged with a felony, according to the complaint.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Boyer's close friend and financial partner Andy Fagg stepped in with a handful of employee-operators to run Duke's until late 2023, when Patrick Kennedy purchased the restaurant.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 12 Aug. 2025
Little baby Doe seemed destined for a life in the foster care system and perhaps adoption down the line until a judge stepped in.
—Susan Young, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped in
Verb
-
The website page also said that Kirk had previously visited the school with Turning Point USA in 2019.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The Levetts, semi-retired bus drivers, first visited Orlando’s theme parks together in 2012.—
Bianca Bosker,
The Atlantic,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In February’s 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ibrahima Konate was booked in the 31st minute, but lasted until half-time, when he was substituted for Jarell Quansah.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Joseph substituted Toklomati before stoppage time, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
An old rectory, Churchgate House, stood in for the home of Isobel (Penelope Wilton) and Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens).—
Julie Tremaine,
PEOPLE,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Three months ago, manager John Schneider stood in the cavernous hallway outside Yankee Stadium’s road clubhouse.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Depression scores dropped in both groups, but more so in the active HD-tDCS group.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The number of recalls dropped in 2020 to 238, the lowest number of recalls CPSC recorded in the 2018 to 2025 period.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Wide receiver Rashee Rice, arguably their biggest threat in their passing game, has served two games of his six-game suspension, and Thornton has filled in nicely for Rice so far.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Even if the free-agent linebacker addition isn’t back from a quad injury for Week 3 AFC against the Chargers, Justin Strnad filled in more than capably in Week 1, recording five tackles and a sack against Tennessee.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After John Woodward Jenkins’ death in 1890, John Wesley, took over as president, with his brothers, Frederick and Clifford, as vice president and secretary-treasurer.—
Sarah Biegelsen,
Kansas City Star,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The year after appearing in The Faculty, Stewart took over hosting duties on The Daily Show, turning the series into a massive, Emmy-winning success.—
Keith Langston,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
During the inflation surge in 2022, the stock dropped by 33% but bounced back within two months.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Short-term rates dropped by a full percentage point in a few short months last year.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The 28-year-old threw 23-of-34 for 316 yards and a touchdown and ran in another score, proving a perfect foil to complement Jonathan Taylor’s rushing ability, with the running back racking up 165 yards against the Broncos.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stepped in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped%20in. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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