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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of step in
In the chaos, Dr. Jackie takes an unfortunate fall, prompting Sweet Tea to step in and help her up.
—
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024
It was all supposed to be taken care of in the omnibus budget bill, until Trump and Musk stepped in and sunk the entire measure.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
When the true freshman phenom strained his hamstring Nov. 2 against Georgia, third-string walk-on quarterback Aidan Warner stepped in and acquitted himself well during a 34-20 loss to the No. 2 Bulldogs.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
Most notably, the 6-2, 207-pound quarterback stepped in on the road at Wisconsin this season and played the entire second half of the 28-13 win when Allar was injured, completing 11 of 13 passes for 98 yards with one touchdown and added 28 rushing yards.
—Audrey Snyder, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step in 
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024
It was all supposed to be taken care of in the omnibus budget bill, until Trump and Musk stepped in and sunk the entire measure.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
When the true freshman phenom strained his hamstring Nov. 2 against Georgia, third-string walk-on quarterback Aidan Warner stepped in and acquitted himself well during a 34-20 loss to the No. 2 Bulldogs.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
Most notably, the 6-2, 207-pound quarterback stepped in on the road at Wisconsin this season and played the entire second half of the 28-13 win when Allar was injured, completing 11 of 13 passes for 98 yards with one touchdown and added 28 rushing yards.
—Audrey Snyder, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
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Two people have been killed and several injured from the Eaton Fire spreading in Los Angeles County. President Biden on Wednesday visited California and has met with state firefighters.Brad Dress, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025
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Zhang Guoqing, the vice premier, visited hospitals and tent camps on Monday night.Tiffany May, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The 28-year-old England international has not completed a full 90 minutes in the league once this season and has been substituted more times (14) than any of his team-mates.Jay Harris, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
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If that is not possible, for financial or practical reasons, could the risky component be substituted with something less dangerous to employees?Borislav "Bobby" Marinov, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Some riders will end up standing in the vestibules and aisles.Larry Penner, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025
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Before then, Jackson and Allen stand in each other’s ways.Peter Sblendorio, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
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But the competing impulse is that of course Spence should be out there filling in at left-back for Spurs.Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
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To fill in the research gap, Babulal and his colleagues conducted a longitudinal study using real-world driving data.Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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As an independent, Walden hasn’t absolutely ruled out running in the June 24 Democratic primary in which Adams already faces a sprawling field of challengers.Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2025
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The Last Showgirl, whose Hollywood premiere was one of the events canceled due to the devastating LA fires, lands exclusively in theaters on Friday, January 10, 2025, after a limited awards qualifying run in December.Simon Thompson, Forbes, 10 Jan. 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
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Cite this Entry
“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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