Definition of stepnext
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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

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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
Noun
The next step is scaling up the infrastructure to produce Lycra fiber made with recycled content, Lycra said. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 The Army’s Future Interceptor competition will shape the program’s next steps. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
That path from leading man to auteur is a familiar one in Hollywood, with notables like Warren Beatty, Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner establishing themselves as major directors without stepping away from leading in their own films. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 The combination of Rykman's extended jams, psychedelic light show and joyous energy made the concert feel less like simply watching a band perform and more like temporarily stepping away for the normal day-to-day. — Steve Spaleta, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • For Lev, assessing what participants take home means asking about their behavior.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • On social media, viewers immediately marveled at Rosalía’s ability to deliver her usual powerful vocals during the first song while striking the pose — and some wondered if she was somehow being propped up through unseen means.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Every stage of a deal is exciting in its own way, but a few elements stand out.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This helps all stages of the ecosystem, from the Uppsala spinout behind Leqembi, one of the first drugs to slow Alzheimer’s, through to Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca whose largest factory is in Södertälje.
    — Jan Larsson, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In the reboot, Hobie Buchannon’s daughter returns to his life and wants to follow in her dad’s footsteps and train as a lifeguard in one of the most important beach jobs in the world.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But Candle House has also come up with stories squarely in the realm of realism — which also, by the way, follows in the footsteps of Rod Serling.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The 42 intricate episodes lining the walls of the Guggenheim’s rotunda follow the iconic winding path of the museum’s white spiral — a path not unlike the circuitous course of a life or a nation’s history.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Choi has rarely followed the conventional path for a Korean actor.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Swift split the difference, opting for a sexy strappy sandal with a block heel measuring around three inches.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Among the biggest pop names on the list is KATSEYE, which will release The Dance Breaks on 12-inch yellow vinyl.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Everyone must be ready for anything, and as 100 becomes 50, the kitchen slowly empties and the competition intensifies until one cook eventually walks away victorious.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As one walked the corridors of Armazém da Utopia ahead of polls opening, the feeling was still one of hope.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • All of these girls, all of them, so beautiful, dancing to the same song every night, skin against the cold security of the pole, the stage, accepting the proffered bills graciously.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The audience cheered for their favorite looks, danced to the soundtrack, and cooed at the cute dogs that appeared on the runway (one in sunglasses).
    — Vogue, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Some hurried to try to unmask the anonymous woman behind the accusations.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
  • There is no need to hurry with additional rate hikes and policymakers can sit and wait for how the geopolitical risks play out.
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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