stage
16 synonyms for stage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A phase or step in a process of change or development.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A phase or step in a process of change or development.
“The project is still in its early stages.”
How to use stage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
at this stage
stage of development
set the stage
stage a protest
Etymology
From Old French estage, meaning a dwelling or condition, ultimately tied to a verb meaning "to stand" — the same root that gives us "stead."
Full origin of stage →Frequently asked questions
What does “stage” mean?
The word “stage” means a phase or step in a process of change or development. In plain terms, a step in a process, or a platform for performing — also a verb meaning to organise an event.
How do you pronounce “stage”?
“Stage” is pronounced stayj (/steɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stage” in a sentence?
Here is “stage” used in a sentence: “The project is still in its early stages.”
What is another word for “stage”?
Words with a similar meaning to “stage” include level, map, area, world, track and board.
What part of speech is “stage”?
Depending on how it is used, “stage” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “stage” come from?
The word “stage” comes from Old French. From Old French estage, meaning a dwelling or condition, ultimately tied to a verb meaning "to stand" — the same root that gives us "stead.".
Is “stage” a common word?
“Stage” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “stage” have?
“Stage” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a phase or step in a process of change or development.
What is the difference between a stage and a phase?
The two are close and often interchangeable, but there is a subtle difference. A stage is usually a distinct, orderly step in a sequence, such as stage one and stage two. A phase tends to describe a period marked by a particular character or condition, which may blend gradually into the next.
What is an example of a stage?
A caterpillar becoming a butterfly passes through clear stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. A construction project might have a planning stage, a building stage, and a finishing stage. In both cases, a stage is one identifiable step within a larger process of change or development.
What is the difference between a stage and a step?
A step is usually smaller and more specific, a single action you take. A stage is broader, often containing several steps, and marks a whole span of progress. You might complete many steps within the early stage of a project before moving on to the next stage.
