STEP Synonyms: 305 Similar and Opposite Words

step 1 of 2

noun

ˈstep

as in means

an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result took steps to ensure that there would be no more incidences of food poisoning

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Relevance

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

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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

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

step

2 of 2

verb

as in to walk

to go on foot I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner

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as in to dance

to perform a series of usually rhythmic bodily movements to music she was in her element, happily stepping around the dance floor

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as in to hurry

to proceed or move quickly many people wanted to linger before the president's bier, but guards kept the line of mourners stepping forward

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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

Israel's Cabinet approved a deal early Saturday for a ceasefire in Gaza that would release dozens of hostages held there and pause the 15-month war with Hamas, bringing the sides a step closer to ending their deadliest and most destructive fighting ever. —

Samy Magdy, arkansasonline.com, 18 Jan. 2025 Pet owners must pay for most of these steps, which can be a further disincentive. —

Brenda Goodman, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025

Verb

Before families stepped to the microphone to share their stories, one state lawmaker told the crowd that the flow of fentanyl, and the deaths that follow, must stop. —

Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025 What not to do Pratt suggests stepping outside that comfort zone locally once a month or so. —

Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for step

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step

Noun

Her resignation in December, spurred by disagreements with Trudeau over economic policies, set the stage for his departure amid declining popularity.

— Amir Daftari, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Few brands generate the level of buzz that Philipp Plein does—not just on the runway but outside the event, where digital influencers set the stage.

— Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025