lockstep

noun

lock·​step ˈläk-ˌstep 

often attributive

1

: a mode of marching in step by a body of persons going one after another as closely as possible

2

: a standard method or procedure that is mindlessly adhered to or that minimizes individuality

Phrases

in lockstep

: in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison

politicians marching in lockstep with the party line

Synonyms

• drill
• grind
• groove
• pattern
• rote
• routine
• rut
• treadmill

Examples of lockstep in a Sentence

followed the lockstep that had been in his family for generations: prep school, Ivy League university, job on Wall Street

Recent Examples on the Web

Just as new- and used-car prices have skyrocketed in recent years, auto insurance rates are following in lockstep. —Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

But mortgage rates don’t move in lockstep with the Fed’s benchmark interest rate the way some other consumer borrowing rates do, such as credit card rates. —Cory Smith, Baltimore Sun, 15 Dec. 2024

Smith has pushed back against a plan from the incoming Senate leadership to split the GOP legislative agenda into two different reconciliation bills: the first on border policy —where Republicans are largely in lockstep — followed by a tax package later in 2025. —Tobias Burns, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024

Everett herself has expanded her horizons in lockstep with her character’s: The final season features an original composition that marks her first-ever love song — one not addressed to her dog, at least. —Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lockstep

noun

lock·​step -ˌstep 

: a way of marching in step in which the marchers are very close one behind the other