step out

verb

stepped out; stepping out; steps out
Synonyms of step outnext

intransitive verb

1
: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time
2
: to go or march at a vigorous or increased pace
3
: die
4
: to lead an active social life
5
: to be unfaithful
—usually used with on
had been stepping out on his wife

Synonyms of step out

Relevance
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Examples of step out in a Sentence

if she catches him stepping out on her, she'll divorce him without a moment's hesitation my greedy relatives are only being nice to me because they expect me to step out any time now
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Refusing to step out when instructed can lead to charges like interfering with public duties or resisting detention, even if the underlying stop was for a minor violation. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026 Videos on the nonprofit’s website show children stepping out of luxury buses, walking between camp volunteers who welcome them with applause and cheers. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out yesterday evening (August 7) for a fundraising gala held for the David Foster Foundation. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026 Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper stepped out in Paris wearing his-and-hers gold bands on that finger—and a slew of speculation over whether the couple of nearly three years had gotten married ensued. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of step out was circa 1533

Rhymes for step out

See All Rhymes for step out

Browse Nearby Words

step on the toes of (someone)
step out
step out of line
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20out. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

step out

verb
: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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