steps in

Definition of steps innext
present tense third-person singular of step in
1
2
as in substitutes
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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of steps in Washington — The Senate is returning to Washington on Monday from a week-long recess as Republicans prepare to take the next steps in their plan to fund immigration agencies under the Department of Homeland Security without help from Democrats. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 11 May 2026 This is among the first steps in characterizing the quality of a particular cacao. Ari Daniel, NPR, 10 May 2026 When workers lack bargaining power, the government steps in. Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026 The mega-pop star arrived at the 2026 Met Gala steps in a Saint Laurent gown made of silk, tulle, and resin with an iris flower motif. Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 4 May 2026 The daughter of Nicole Kidman and country musician Keith Urban stepped onto the Met steps in a milestone moment for both the fashion world and her family. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 4 May 2026 The next and final steps in his rehab are to make back-to-back appearances and to come in during the middle of an inning. Tim Britton, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 One of the first steps in allowing users to contribute to news was the addition of comments sections to news stories that were posted online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026 Forging consensus Once in office, Warsh will head a Federal Open Market Committee populated with officials who have expressed misgivings about the next steps in monetary policy. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steps in
Verb
  • Host Rachel Holt visits this coastal landmark to uncover the stories, artifacts, and maritime history behind one of the South Shore's most enduring beacons.
    Rachel Holt, CBS News, 17 May 2026
  • His ghost visits Claire in the future and then heads over to the stones, where his presence magically causes the forget-me-nots to grow.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • It is offered as rationale for below-market compensation, as though mission alignment is a form of currency that substitutes for pay.
    Charles Stanton, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • The brand partially substitutes sugar with stevia and erythritol.
    Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • The former ice cream wizard at Antico Nuovo is now behind limited ice cream drops in West Hollywood.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
  • Kelce will be a staple of Hilfiger’s fall 2026 campaign, which drops in early September, and also its spring 2027 campaign, which likely launches in early February.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Round numbers The Wall Street Bull stands in the Financial District, home to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), in Manhattan on March 19, 2026, in New York City.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 May 2026
  • This increase across the board stands in contrast to the company's Q4 2025 Earnings Summary.
    Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Now the same will be true for everyone who fills in the remainder of the coaching staff, both for the duration of this season and in the years to come.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
  • There, Sam unleashes reams upon reams of monologues about their past at a teary Mary, who fills in a few gaps.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Trailing 8-2 after seven innings, the Rockies scored four runs in the eighth, getting RBI singles from Jake McCarthy and Kyle Karros to make things interesting.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
  • Quincee Lilio scored South Carolina’s only run of the game with an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth, then UCLA added another nine runs in a sixth inning that also featured two Bruin home runs.
    Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • If Billy, who wears a turban and caftan in a few scenes, calls to mind Norma Desmond of Sunset Boulevard, Schoenbrun directly assures you that that is not an accident.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
  • Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Ford, 5-day Options in Ford skewed heavily bullish, with more than five times as many calls trading as puts and more than twice as many calls bought as sold.
    Oliver Renick, CNBC, 13 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Steps in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steps%20in. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster