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 One day before Gellar's red carpet remarks at the Dexter: Original Sin premiere made headlines, Hewitt stepped in to clear the air and shut down some of the internet's wildest theories. EW.com, 18 July 2025 Brooks stepped in as a detective on Law & Order in 2022, filling the void left by the departure of Anthony Anderson. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 July 2025 With co-founders divided and growth stalling, Dennis stepped in, not just to mediate, but to implement. Jon Stojan, USA Today, 18 July 2025 Despite lacking X-rays, antibiotics, adequate anesthesia or other tools of modern surgery, Williams stepped in. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for step in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step in
Verb
  • Although most tourists wear sneakers when visiting the area, Como is still an upscale Italian village, so wearing nice shoes to lunch and dinner is always a good idea.
    Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
  • Shteyngart discusses the book on July 23 at 7 p.m. at the Mark Twain House, which he’s visited several times before.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • The 24-year-old Brazilian attacker started against Al Hilal but was substituted and had just 27 minutes from the bench in the five following games.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Markle launched a brand called American Riviera Orchard via Instagram on March 14, 2024 with a short video that showed the duchess arranging flowers, baking and standing in a stone walkway wearing a floor-length gown.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Buffalo’s National League stadium charged seventy-five cents for a male escort seat in the ladies stand in 1883.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Dwight McNeil filled in there against both Accrington and Blackburn, but is a partial fit at best.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 21 July 2025
  • Now, Beeman is filling in the blanks of In-A-Tub’s history, gathering artifacts along the way.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • How many intelligent devices are running in your home right now?
    Rajesh Subramaniam, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Tuesday’s performance came in support of Mets starter Frankie Montas, who worked around eight hits and two walks to limit the Angels to two runs in 5.2 innings.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Congress might also call on President Biden to ban TikTok under the IEEPA.
    Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Kia customers can also call customer care at 1-800-333-4542 or check out owners.kia.com/us/en/kia-owner-portal.html.
    Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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