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were stepping

  • past progressive
    of step.
    step
    noun
    a movement made by lifting the foot and setting it down again in a new position, accompanied by a shifting of the weight of the body in the direction of the new position, as in walking, running, or dancing.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the exercise showed Britain, France and their allies were stepping up preparation for the day when peace came to Ukraine.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

After the attacks, California military bases and others throughout the U.S. were stepping up security measures.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 2, 2026

Dedicated carers were stepping away due to "a lack of support, insufficient respect from professionals, and burnout", she told the BBC.

From BBC ● Apr. 5, 2025

Shares of Paramount Global were down 7% midday Wednesday amid reports that three of the company’s directors were stepping down as merger talks continue between the historic studio and tech scion David Ellison.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2024

He had broken his back, someone said, but there was nothing anyone could do, and now men were stepping over him with their blankets and bolsters, and others were jostling to go up.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan