steps in

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 The differing accounts underscore a significant gap between how the US and Iran are describing the next steps in negotiations. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 That’s where AcePDF Converter & Editor steps in. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026 The Manitou Incline, located at the base of Pikes Peak, gains 2,000 feet of elevation over 2,768 steps in less than a mile. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 25 May 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for steps in
Verb
  • In the scene, Clinton visits Matty Bennett (Scott Grimes), who works at the local Dunkin’ Donuts.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 16 June 2026
  • The family visits Steve about once a month, while phone calls are less frequent due to prison restrictions.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • No program substitutes for that.
    Desmon Yancy, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
  • But no technology substitutes for the human infrastructure, partnerships, and political will that made the old system work.
    Stephanie Psaki, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • In addition to ground units, air rescue teams were called in to perform water drops in an effort to control the fast-moving flames.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • Consumers are hoping the news means further drops in prices.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Pending the rest of the weekend’s games, Summit FC stands in eighth place in the NWSL ahead of a 35-day break.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
  • Blaming American negotiators Despite Israel’s displeasure with the emerging agreement, its relatively muted response stands in stark contrast to the fierce campaign Netanyahu waged against the 2015 Iran nuclear deal signed by former President Barack Obama.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Naturally, Ohtani also singled, doubled, walked and drove in two runs in that game.
    Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Teams trailing by at least eight runs in the eighth inning or later had lost 4,291 consecutive games, according to Sportradar.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Schmidt then fills in the blanks.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
  • The silver shade covers the shoe’s panels, while black fills in the liner, midsole and branding.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • The agreement calls for an immediate end to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, and sets out expectations for the next phase of talks, which will tackle more challenging issues, mainly the future of Iran's nuclear program.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • Engaging in what sociologist Staci Newmahr calls edgework, or risky behavior that transgresses social boundaries with another human, produces intimacy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Steps in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/steps%20in. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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