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.

“The Verdict” lays out, step by step, how the trial ended in Jackson’s full acquittal.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

"We started small... experimented, built confidence and then scaled up step by step," said managing director Oliver Conger.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

One method focuses on nearby galaxies and builds up distance measurements step by step, similar to climbing a ladder.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2026

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

Some of the Riders were driven back, further and further into the Deep, falling and fighting as they gave way, step by step, towards the caves.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien

step-by-step

Example Sentences

Related Words