step 1 of 2

Definition of stepnext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in footstep
the mark or impression made by a foot steps in the sand leading into the water and back out again

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in path
steps plural the direction along which something or someone moves their steps led them through a long corridor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

step

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3

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
Noun
Pick one step that respects your budget. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026 This measure allows the executive branch to take exceptional steps to safeguard lives and the economy, and to ensure access to essential goods and services. Gustavo Ocando Alex, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Verb
For more than a century, no visit to New York at Christmas felt complete without stepping inside FAO Schwarz. Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 With the majority of his players stepping onto a college campus for the first time, Turgeon knows the identity of this year’s team is still taking shape. Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • But that may also make Iranian oil less attractive to China, which has been buying it at a discount because Iran under sanctions has few other means to sell.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • None of these senior members of this genocidal regime are good guys, by any means.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Your gentle heart may crave recognition while your spirit needs quiet, so choose a smaller stage and keep the audience intimate.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026
  • Tunisia, which entered the match having already been eliminated from any chance of advancing to the knockout stage, had pockets of fans wearing red and white.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Even a young Prince George is already following the family's footsteps as an emerging tennis enthusiast, proving that Wimbledon season is very much a family affair.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • His family initially thought the tiny pup might follow in the footsteps of his famous namesake, Cristiano Ronaldo, by scoring goals.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • From there, Florida's history followed the path more familiar to Americans, eventually becoming the 27th state in 1845.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Infosys chose that path, committing to retrain more than 250,000 staff instead of pursuing mass layoffs.
    Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • In May, just weeks before the ruling, the athlete won the West Virginia Class AAA girls’ shot put state championship with a throw of 38 feet, 11¾ inches, beating the runner-up by just over two feet.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • One flight attendant was able to fit enough clothes for a seven-day trip in the Hanke 14-inch Underseat Carry-on, proving its status as a tiny-but-mighty travel bag made to last for years.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Johnson allowed one walk with career highs of eight strikeouts and six innings, while throwing 90 pitches.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Manny Machado hit a first pitch, walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning, sending the Padres to a 7-6 win and the Braves to their ninth loss in the last 12 games.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Cape Verde's been leading the offense, with several opportunities dancing around the Saudi net, but without precision.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 27 June 2026
  • Each member of the band had their moment to shine while the crowd danced on the soggy earth, not minding the conditions one bit.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Locals and tourists hurried around the pavilions showcasing the best of each state and territory.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026
  • But hurry, — the popular shade is selling out fast.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on step

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