lockstep

noun

lock·​step ˈläk-ˌstep How to pronounce lockstep (audio)
often attributive
1
: a mode of marching in step by a body of persons going one after another as closely as possible
2
: a standard method or procedure that is mindlessly adhered to or that minimizes individuality
Phrases
in lockstep
: in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison
politicians marching in lockstep with the party line

Examples of lockstep in a Sentence

followed the lockstep that had been in his family for generations: prep school, Ivy League university, job on Wall Street
Recent Examples on the Web Unsurprisingly, as cannabis strains have become stronger, incidence of CUD and resulting schizophrenia have risen in lockstep. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 And as Morgan and Canales attempt to usher in a new age of success for the Panthers, both leaders will need to work in lockstep to find the results that have eluded Carolina during Tepper’s turbulent ownership tenure. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2024 Both were in lockstep in pronouncing a trio of Brits in the top spots, but with McLaren first, followed by the Rolls- Royce Spectre and then the Aston Martin DB12—a vote that ultimately changed the second- and third-place standings on the final podium. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2024 Davis tried to get the organization in lockstep by jointly hiring McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler in 2022. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024 When journalists and editors are in lockstep with the demands and passions of a lone political entity, what will naturally follow are indefensible, incoherent, and contradictory editorial decisions. Becket Adams, National Review, 24 Dec. 2023 The visualization above also documents the impact of the ever-thickening blanket of CO2: Heat accumulating in Earth's climate system has been rising in lockstep. Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2024 The pair have been in lockstep ever since, appearing together at Weatherspoon’s introductory news conference, where Copper praised the new coach’s energy and intention. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2024 Professional golf appeared poised to end 2023 with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf in lockstep after two years of animosity, attrition, ill will and legal action. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lockstep.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lockstep was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near lockstep

Cite this Entry

“Lockstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lockstep. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lockstep

noun
lock·​step -ˌstep How to pronounce lockstep (audio)
: a way of marching in step in which the marchers are very close one behind the other
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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