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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Step” — 6 Other Ways to Say It

One footfall or a stair surface you stand on.

IPA: /stɛp/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: noun

Meanings of Step — Pick the Sense You Need

Step has 2 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.

  1. Meaning #1 as a noun

    One footfall or a stair surface you stand on.

  2. Meaning #2 as a verb

    to move by putting one foot in front of the other; to tread

How to Pronounce Step

IPA: /stɛp/ Stress: O

Rhymes with get. Short e sound and p at the end.

Full pronunciation guide for step →

3 Synonyms for Step (Meaning #1 — as a noun)

These synonyms work when you use step as a noun. Meaning: One footfall or a stair surface you stand on.

stride

/straɪd/
verb B2

to take long purposeful steps forward while walking or moving with steady motion

Example: She walked with long strides down the hall.

stair

/stɛər/
noun A2

One of the steps you climb up or down.

Example: Each stair has the same height.

move

/muːv/
verb A1

To go from one place to another or to make something go.

Example: The cat moved slowly across the floor.

3 Synonyms for Step (Meaning #2 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use step as a verb. Meaning: to move by putting one foot in front of the other; to tread

walk

/wɔːk/
verb A1

To move your legs to go from one place to another on foot.

Example: I walk to work every morning.

Smart Synonyms for Step — When to Use Each

stride

a longer single movement of the foot

stair

fixed step in a series of stairs

Antonyms of Step — Opposite Words

How to Use Step and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • Take one step forward. A1
  • She climbed the steps to the front door. A1
  • The first step toward success is to try hard. B1
  • Step forward and tell us your name. A2
  • He stepped carefully on the icy ground. B1

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Step

What is another word for "step"?

Common synonyms for "step" include: stride, stair, move, walk, tread.

What can I say instead of "step"?

Try one of these alternatives: stride, stair, move, walk, tread. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "step" formal or informal?

"step" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "step" instead of "stride"?

Use "step" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "stride" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "step"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "step" include: stand still, remain.

Explore “Step” in Other Tools