step in

1
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 Jackson Mahomes is taking the next big step in his relationship! Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Like Loveland, Grant played under Harbaugh in Ann Arbor and could immediately step in as a starter in Los Angeles. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 The Artemis Alliance is the logical next step in securing a open, free, and safe space environment. Andrew Hanna, Time, 13 Apr. 2025 In Pennsylvania, a single ninth grader targeted 46 girls before anyone stepped in. ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
  • Dragos found that in the months that followed, the group was scanning the internet for vulnerable industrial control system devices, as well as visiting the websites of those devices’ manufacturers to read about them.
    Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The visiting president released a nearly 2-minute video chronicling his arrival that included shots of the two countries’ flags, U.S. military color guard, and of course, Bukele himself, exiting his plane and into a black SUV, dressed in all black and dark sunglasses.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Again, this substitutes a new process for traditional analysis of weighted inputs, prompting and supervision.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Victor Perez, who was autistic and had cerebral palsy, was shot nine times on April 5 while standing in the yard in Pocatello, a city of about 60,000 in southeastern Idaho.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Nunes retired in the Octagon, but while fans and others cheered, Peña stood in the crowd and booed her rival.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Palace lack cover at centre-back, hence Lerma being asked to fill in.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Each burial required breaking the stone floor, placing the tiny remains underneath, and then filling in the hole with crushed limestone.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • In fact, Lyons scored the game’s only touchdown, a three-yard run in the third quarter that gave the Navy team the victory.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Marx himself would call DEI a classic case of ideology, a set of benign-seeming ideas that disguise the workings of the rulers, in this case empowered progressives.
    WSJ, WSJ, 14 Feb. 2023
  • However, today most young people rarely call each other.
    Andrea Wigfield, CNN, 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 21 Apr. 2025.

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