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

Mortgage rates — which don't move in lockstep with changes in the federal funds rate — have gone up based on various headwinds, including the outlook for the economy and the 2024 presidential election. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

The non-stop spectacular was an assault on the senses in the best way, something both singular to Usher and in lockstep with the legends that came before him. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024

In lockstep with the Fed, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority cut its interest rate by 50 basis points to 5.25%, as the city’s currency is pegged to the greenback. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2024

Since then, these contests have been mostly in lockstep. —Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 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