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

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 phone on the wall rang, and Rebecca snatched the receiver, then pulled the curly cord down the steps to the basement and shut the door. Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026 Moving toward commercialization The technology has already taken its first step toward industrial deployment. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
After the Twins intentionally walked Julio Rodríguez, Raleigh hit a sharp grounder to first baseman Royce Lewis, who stepped on first for the out. ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Its sweeping wooden exterior has made Oodi one of the Finnish capital’s architectural landmarks, yet the building becomes more interesting after stepping inside and seeing how residents use it. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step
Noun
  • With an international wedding on the horizon, old friendships are tested, relationships evolve, and everyone is forced to confront what growing up really means.
    Peter White, Deadline, 31 July 2026
  • Many of her events cost $15 or less, and Torres offers discounts or other financial support for women who want to attend but don’t have the financial means to.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Two stages — one outdoor and one indoor — will host 11 performances and demonstrations throughout the day.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Brian Henson’s adventurous stage show featuring improv and sketch comedy with the iconic Henson puppets and puppeteers is back for a limited eight-performance run.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Smarter robot footsteps Quadruped robots are becoming increasingly common in industries ranging from warehouse automation to industrial inspection and search-and-rescue.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The 13-year-old previously attended Lambrook School, Windsor, alongside his brother and sister but will now follow in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Prince Harry, at the prestigious all-boys boarding school.
    Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The true spectacle requires being within the narrow path of totality.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Four months later, the minor issue hit, blocking their relatives’ paths to citizenship.
    Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Crepe myrtles need about an inch of water per week and supplemental water is especially important during periods of intense drought.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But our favorite pop of primary is the bright yellow oven and range hood over the 60-inch range in the kitchen.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This was on full display last September when Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walked side by side at a military parade in Beijing – a show of unity among authoritarians.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Beth Sightler walked me around her working-class neighborhood in the Old North End.
    Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The countless repetitions give you the most beautiful art form where swans glide, fairies dance and every year a giant nutcracker appears.
    Chrissie Leong, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • Incorporating the orange hues and color palette of the album, the video spotlights individuals from various walks of life dancing together to the title track of the record.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Kids in oversize orange fishing aprons hurried to the window where the bird stood at attention.
    Natalie B. Compton The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Katalyst’s ground team, working from a control center near Denver, hurried to find a fix and recover the Link satellite.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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