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
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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
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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
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1
as in to walk
to go on foot I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner
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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
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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
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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 step
Nicole Hockley, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026 In Guerra’s opinion, the initial steps must focus on stabilizing the exchange rate and curbing inflation so that people can begin to feel some economic relief. —Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026 When Guerrero stepped away from the third one, Panther hit a crossbody from the middle rope onto the floor. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Noun
The next step is to move from observation to reflection, and from reflection to action. —Nicole Hockley, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026 In Guerra’s opinion, the initial steps must focus on stabilizing the exchange rate and curbing inflation so that people can begin to feel some economic relief. —Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
The overwhelming vote represented a major step forward in a conversation that has frequently stepped sideways, or even backwards. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026 When Guerrero stepped away from the third one, Panther hit a crossbody from the middle rope onto the floor. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
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Beijing calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, Xi was cited as saying by Xinhua, while supporting all efforts conducive to restoring peace and remaining committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.— Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
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Victims are stripped of their social networks, of their means, of their access to resources like finances.— Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In three days time, Mary is to perform her first concert since a fall on stage that’s rendered more like a near suicide.— Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
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He was accused by some of being too preoccupied with his profile on the national stage, looking past the city onto bigger things while Stockton struggled with many chronic problems.— Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Following in his late father’s footsteps, Rodriguez Castro is involved in GAESA dealings and serves as an informal liaison between its current head, Brig.— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
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Just 20 years old, Barron already has goals to follow in his father's footsteps in the business world, sources have told PEOPLE.— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The president’s nominee to be the next chair of the Federal Reserve will appear on Capitol Hill today for a confirmation hearing, but his path forward is uncertain due to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell.— Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
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What’s more, the proliferation of gossip handles like Deux Moi and fan accounts like ClubChalamet mean that doubling down on a parasocial fixation can be a legitimate career path, and a profitable one at that.— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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While averages are mathematically calculated, the rainfall totals run from near zero to up to 20 or more inches a year.— Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
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They can be planted as little as one to two feet apart (though ideally in the 18-14 inches range) in rows 3 to 4 feet apart.— Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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After stabbing Smith, the woman walked east on Eastern Parkway to the Sutter Ave.— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
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Lambert finished with a two-hitter, striking out eight, walking three and hitting one batter.— Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nobody in my family liked to dance.— Edie Kasten, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
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People have always listened to dance music of all kinds by themselves, but even then, some notion of communal experience is usually in the mix—a memory of parties past, a fantasy of one to come.— Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But hurry, the popular picks are selling fast.— Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
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There’s a wealth of spa options here, none meant to be hurried.— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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