step 1 of 2

Definition of stepnext
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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

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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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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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
But a flurry of recent releases go one step further, tapping into brands that have built their reputations on sustainability. Sophie Benson, Vogue, 28 May 2026 The practical next step is connecting AI to where deal data already lives. Rusty Wiley, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
Midland brought in pitcher Lane Schulz, who got an out before Ashton Hartwig stepped to the plate. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026 Gardeners should also make sure not to step on soil where plants are growing to avoid soil compaction. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • However, most institutions have to tap their reserves or regular operating revenue from other sources to come up with the scholarship increases, and at some point that becomes a dangerous means of survival.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Traditional means of information weren’t far behind search engines.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • The three of us walked onto the stage and sat down in black leather armchairs.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Here's a look at which performers have pulled out and those that are still set to take the stage.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • And much unlike her native coast, Guizio will follow in the footsteps of Skims, PrettyLittleThing and Alo Yoga, and embrace billboard advertising.
    Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • Alcaraz, 23 — whose recent Vanity Fair cover had social media buzzing — seems to be following in the footsteps of his compatriot.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • The latter can seem more like a game of dodgeball with bikes weaving in and out of your path.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Anger, denial, and fear are merely steps along the path of grieving.
    Jonathan Odden, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Not at this pace Listed at 7 feet 4 inches, Wembanyama has 3 inches on all-time leading rebounder Wilt Chamberlain.
    Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • Check the soil’s moisture, and water if the top few inches are dry.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • There are 36 villas here, a line-up of restaurants and bars, walking trails through primary forest, open-air massages, an immaculate lawn tennis court, two spas and a boutique.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • The plan was to walk to the Ecuadorian embassy, on Avenue de Messine, west into the Eighth Arrondissement, just south of the gate into Parc Monceau.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • That vision came to life during the festival that followed the walk; attendees danced to live music and children weaved through the crowd waving pride flags.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
  • The song, and its accompanying video featuring Bryan dancing on a dock, was ripped online, and launched a string of comments denouncing the track — about, yep, fishing and hunting, golfing and drinking — as the product of a large language model.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Gardner, the activist, hurried over, tapped Nereyda on the shoulder and pointed toward the pit.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
  • The baseball team beat Calvin Christian 7-1, then hurried across the plaza at SDSU — about 50 yards — to cheer the girls on.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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