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Showing results for step-by-step.
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

Its name is quite a trek too - King Charles III England Coast Path - but for the first time it creates a continuous trail, allowing walkers to explore England's shoreline step by step.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

“Musk wants to own and control more of the AI ecosystem, and, step by step, the holy grail could be combining SpaceX and Tesla.”

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Biting her lip, she dragged her aching leg step by step, and felt Vandara’s contemptuous eyes on her back.

From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry