step in

verb

Definition of step innext
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 Once a client establishes a consistent transaction history, Magellan can step in and make payments directly to overseas suppliers on the brand’s behalf. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 The move to allow Fable 5 back online represents the latest step in the federal government’s fast-evolving approach to regulating AI capabilities. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 1 July 2026 On Tuesday, June 30, Paramount+ confirmed that Benjamin Cavell will step in as showrunner and executive producer following Chad Feehan's exit. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 In 1968, the federal government stepped in and started selling flood insurance managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. — Brian New, CBS News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
  1. visit
  2. substitute
  3. run in
  4. stand in
  5. call
  6. fill in
Verb
  • But in a 5-1 win at Truist Park, the visiting Cardinals made two errors.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
  • Breakthrough has relationships with several schools in the area and regularly visits schools to present its program to area fourth graders, Cox said.
    — Austin Horn July 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of visit
Verb
  • Portugal somehow held on, and Goncalo Ramos’ 94th-minute header, with Ronaldo substituted, sparked delirium after a delightful Rafael Leao cross.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • After scoring a run in the fourth when Willy Adames grounded into a double play with a runner on third, San Francisco called upon a double steal with runners at the corners to swipe its third run.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Proxima is developing stellarator technology, one of a handful of approaches to fusion, and hopes to have its fusion demonstrator — a proof-of-concept precursor to a commercial power plant — up and running in the early 2030s.
    — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of run in
Verb
  • Dozens of people sat in lawn chairs in front of the big screen, cheering as the Bosnia and Herzegovina national anthem played, while others stood in a long line that stretched out of the front door to buy cakes, pastries and pitas.
    — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • That stands in contrast to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who's been publicly at odds with the White House a lot lately.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of stand in
Verb
  • The company, which calls itself the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world, also added chicken nuggets to its menu on Thursday, July 2.
    — Mike Snider, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Mauney, widely seen as the best rider of his generation and someone who braved the hardest bulls to ride, had to retire in 2023 after a neck break on a bull called Arctic Assassin.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of call
Verb
  • Plus, this helps fill in areas of your garden where weeds typically grow with welcome color and interest.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
  • Many plants fill in quickly and will make hanging pots look lush in no time.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
Definition of fill in

Browse Nearby Words

stepfathers
step in
step into
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20in. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on step in

Nglish: Translation of step in for Spanish Speakers

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