lockstep — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A step whereby the toe of one man is brought very close to the heel of the man in front.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

2. Close connection, unison, rigid synchronization.

   Usage

   • Figurative
   • Uncountable
   • usually

   Examples

   The CIA's analysts learned to march in lockstep, conforming to conventional wisdom.

   More examples (1)

   But what [the Founding Fathers] weren’t counting on was lockstep partisanship, which translates today into a pro-Trump, pro-MAGA congressional majority that is likely to reinforce the president’s agenda, at least until the 2026 midterm elections.

3. An inflexible, rigid or stifling pattern.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

Adjective

1. In close connection, in unison, synchronized.

   Usage

   • not-comparable

   Examples

   With both official university policies lock-step in favor of military recruitment, the next move is up to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.

Noun

1. a standard procedure that is followed mindlessly

   Broader terms

   standing operating procedurestandard operating procedureSOPstandard procedure

   Examples

   the union's support had been in lockstep for years

2. a manner of marching in file in which each person's leg moves with and behind the corresponding leg of the person ahead

   Broader terms

   marchmarching

   Examples

   the prisoner's ankles were so chained together that they could only march in lockstep