step-by-step

ADJECTIVE

gradual

Synonyms

STRONGEST

piecemeal

WEAK

bit-by-bit by degrees continuous creeping even gentle gradational graduate moderate progressive regular slow steady successive unhurried

ADVERB

gradually and steadily

Synonyms

STRONG

bit by bit drop by drop gradually inch by inch little by little one by one piecemeal

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.

At its annual developer conference, Microsoft Build, the group unveiled MAI-Thinking-1, its first "reasoning" model -- AI systems that break down problems step-by-step before responding, similar to offerings from OpenAI, Google or Anthropic.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

A step-by-step guide for where to put your money for your child’s future.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

You can take a virtual tour of the five rooms of the Biocontainment Unit and its step-by-step process of managing extra-infectious patients.

From Slate • May 14, 2026

A step-by-step process will need to be undertaken before the station can re-open.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Maybe she was saying that a true crafter made do, and part of the joy of crafting was creating without step-by-step directions and a kit.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

step-by-step

Example Sentences

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