stepped 1 of 2

adjective

as in tapered

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stepped

2 of 2

verb

past tense of step
1
as in walked
to go on foot I stepped across the street for a quick lunch at the new diner

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in danced
to perform a series of usually rhythmic bodily movements to music she was in her element, happily stepping around the dance floor

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in sped
to proceed or move quickly many people wanted to linger before the president's bier, but guards kept the line of mourners stepping forward

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 stepped
Verb
The tennis ace stepped behind the club’s plush bar to serve his signature drink, Fritzy Spicy Margarita, and welcomed invitees with a rousing toast. — Paul Chi, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026 Messi, who was a superstar with European teams Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, is regarded as one of the greatest players to have stepped onto a soccer pitch. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026 The penalty was awarded after video review determined that Portland forward Pietra Tordin was stepped on by Gotham midfielder Jaelin Howell. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Prior to this, Williams stepped onto the carpet for the London premiere wearing a custom red Ellie Misner top and skirt inspired by a two-piece ensemble Bullock wore to the 1999 premiere of Forces of Nature in Los Angeles. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026 That trajectory started because of a willingness to step into a space that others stepped around. — Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 The determination came when Freedom opened his arms, pointed toward Cloud and stepped toward the court, according to the officials. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 On the second, Lemon lined up as the right slot, stepped inward as if to run block, then looped back into the short flats, where Hurts struck him on a play-action bootleg. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The annual parade, now in its 46th year, stepped off Sunday afternoon. — Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepped
  1. tapered
  2. walked
  3. danced
  4. sped
  5. phased
  6. hurried
  7. rushed
  8. scurried
Adjective
  • Some crescent styles also feature a tapered design to give your baby more room.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Up front, the delicately tapered nose hints at two of Maranello’s greatest hits from the 1980s, the 512 BBi and the Testarossa.
    — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of tapered
Verb
  • One day earlier, given the same advance notice, Allen struck out twice and walked during a 6-2 loss.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • After striking out the side in the first, Cavalli walked the bases loaded with one out in the second but then struck out Owen Caissie and Mack to escape the jam.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of walked
Verb
  • The packed crowd danced in unison with the song’s signature moves.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Gaultier and Valentino passed through town, while Grace Jones danced at Remezzo.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of danced
Verb
  • Earlier in the game, Thomas’ pressure sped up Milroe, who saw his pass batted down by defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Officers said Rodriguez sped out of the lot and fled the scene.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sped
Adjective
  • Numerous other agricultural organizations are in favor of the phased reopening, such as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a trade association for ranchers and feeders, including many who rely on Mexican livestock.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • If funded, the university plans to begin phased construction in about 2028.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Definition of phased
Verb
  • When Huijsen was forced off the pitch to receive treatment for a cut to his head, temporarily leaving Madrid with 10 men, Mourinho hurried the doctors and physios along.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The other officers hurried to the second scene as Hernandez tackled a fleeing Edgar to the ground.
    — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurried
Verb
  • The baby was last, which might have been why doctors were able to briefly restart a heartbeat once he was rushed to the hospital after his father returned home.
    — Monica Hesse, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Security cameras on the Chinese side of the border captured people running from a wall of debris as floodwaters rushed through a border crossing, sweeping away vehicles and buildings.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of rushed
Verb
  • As Hodges scurried about in a panic, Devenanzio kept his game face on and won by a mile.
    — Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Vaquer took out Rodriguez and Perez in the process before the trio scurried away.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of scurried

Browse Nearby Words

steppe
stepped
stepped (along)
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Cite this Entry

“Stepped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepped. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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