1
as in to visit
to make a brief visit
I just stepped in to say hi on my way to class
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to substitute
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only
couldn't find anyone to step in for me so that I could take a break from my caregiving duties
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of step in
The restaurant is normally closed on Mondays, but the staff is stepping in to serve its regular tasting menu that night on the family’s behalf.
—
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Your story could help influence someone to take the next step in their pet adoption journey.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
The Trump administration has not announced steps in response.
—Steve Holland and Kanishka Singh, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
The rollout of the eco-design module is a key step in Fairly Made’s journey.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step in
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Your story could help influence someone to take the next step in their pet adoption journey.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
The Trump administration has not announced steps in response.
—Steve Holland and Kanishka Singh, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
The rollout of the eco-design module is a key step in Fairly Made’s journey.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
-
More than this perhaps, as Sara Halpern, visiting assistant professor of history at St. Olaf college, wrote to me, the attack had a broader purpose.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Nick Suzuki scored twice, the tying goal with 8.4 seconds left in regulation and the overtime winner, as the Montreal Canadiens edged the visiting Florida Panthers 3-2 on Tuesday night.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Families who tend to buy pricier, higher-quality items can avoid the price hikes this summer by substituting down to lower-quality clothes and other goods, Gee said.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
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Again, this substitutes a new process for traditional analysis of weighted inputs, prompting and supervision.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Barry is standing in a sprawling suite that represents the resort's latest foray into wellness.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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But standing in a busy subway station, Duffy vowed to continue providing the city with federal support and confirmed the administration has not withheld funding.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
If your laminate cabinets get scratched, Knoll suggests filling in the scratch with a wax stick that matches the color.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Ora was at the desk for a third consecutive season to fill in for Nicole Scherzinger.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Gators went on a 7-0 run in a little more than a minute to cut the lead down to four with about 12 minutes to go.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
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This race is more challenging and less accessible to weekend athletes than the Paris Half Marathon, which already ran in March and has already opened registrations for the next edition on March 8, 2026.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Those in need of shelter from the cold can call 211 to check availability of beds.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2023
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Their children’s schoolmates call the sisters the Puffling Queens.—
Cheryl Katz,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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