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Definitions

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.

Conventional wisdom holds that a young team has to ascend to contender status step by step, taking several years to progress from outside the playoffs to the NBA Finals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Traditional computers perform these calculations step by step, consuming large amounts of energy.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

"Goodwill must be built up and mutual trust needs to be expanded, step by step, by both sides."

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

For the last 108 days - a sacred number in Buddhism representing spiritual completion - the group has walked this same single-file line step by step.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

She began to walk up it, step by step, climbing ever higher, as though there were invisible stairs cut into the grey sky.

From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers