step out

verb

stepped out; stepping out; steps out
Synonyms of step outnext

intransitive verb

1
: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time
2
: to go or march at a vigorous or increased pace
3
: die
4
: to lead an active social life
5
: to be unfaithful
—usually used with on
had been stepping out on his wife

Synonyms of step out

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Examples of step out in a Sentence

if she catches him stepping out on her, she'll divorce him without a moment's hesitation my greedy relatives are only being nice to me because they expect me to step out any time now
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Batters who step out of the batter's box are charged with a strike, while attempting to bunt results in an ejection. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Meghan Markle has officially made her first public appearance since moving back to the UK, stepping out with Prince Harry in Nottingham. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2026 Meghan, on the other hand, has kept a relatively low profile since the move, only stepping out with Harry once for a dinner date at a local pub on October 1. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 16 Oct. 2026 Before Charley could climb down, the big deer stepped out of the brush 30 yards away, stood broadside, blew a couple of times, and ran back toward the river. — Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of step out was circa 1533

Rhymes for step out

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Browse Nearby Words

step on the toes of (someone)
step out
step out of line
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step%20out. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

step out

verb
: to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time
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