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
Relevance
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
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 in
In the period between Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, a bold contender steps in to give us a holiday truly worth celebrating.
—
K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 10 Mar. 2025
Or flesh—notice the tiny worker huffing up the steps in the top right.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Since returning to the White House for his second term, Mr. Trump and his administration have taken numerous steps in response to last year's protests on college campuses and antisemitic incidents.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025
And if Henry goes down, Hooper can capably step in as a spot starter.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step in
K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 10 Mar. 2025
Or flesh—notice the tiny worker huffing up the steps in the top right.
—Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Since returning to the White House for his second term, Mr. Trump and his administration have taken numerous steps in response to last year's protests on college campuses and antisemitic incidents.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2025
And if Henry goes down, Hooper can capably step in as a spot starter.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
-
Parent was only 18 and visiting Garretson, the caretaker, at the Cielo Drive guest house.—
Emily Krauser,
People.com,
9 Mar. 2025
-
The Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the substitute for general affairs of the secretary of state, Archbishop Penna Parra, visited the Pope in the hospital to update him on church and world matters on Sunday, according to the Vatican.—
Phoebe Natanson,
ABC News,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The default transaction type would be light and free to the end users, unconditionally anonymous transactions, the dark transactions, would attract a tariff with the revenue generated taken by the government to substitute for the loss of taxes and cost of crime in the dark economy.—
David G.W. Birch,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Mings received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 66th minute.—
Jacob Tanswell,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Jan stands in front of the camera on Zoom wearing a red jacket, while Cohen pets her.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Although not presented in a definitive space where the body and its behavioral form are used for exhibition, the three-hour performance stood in the structure in more of a play, literally, and figuratively with a remake of Romeo and Juliet in the middle of its course.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The Raiders now have a huge void to fill in the middle of that side of the ball.—
Vic Tafur,
The Athletic,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Proliferation: Between days four and 21, various cells, including skin and immune cells, work together to close and fill in the injury and reestablish skin function.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The inaugural run in 2024 drew about 1,000 participants, according to a news release.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The Crespi High right-hander is 3-0 without giving up any runs in 19 innings.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share