stepping-stone

NOUN

instrumentation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apparatus instrument

STRONG

agency agent aid auspices avenue channel course dodge equipment expedient factor fashion gimmick instrumentality intermediary machinery manner measure mechanism medium ministry mode organ organization paraphernalia path power process road route step system tactic technique trick vehicle

WEAK

modus operandi ways and means

Antonyms

STRONG

blockage disorganization ignorance

NOUN

means

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aid channel equipment factor instrument measure mechanism medium mode power process route step system tactic technique vehicle

STRONG

agency agent apparatus auspices avenue course dodge expedient fashion gimmick instrumentality instrumentation intermediary machinery manner ministry organ organization paraphernalia path road trick

WEAK

modus operandi ways and means

Antonyms

STRONGEST

end

WEAK

paucity poorness shame

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.

Whale falls are "almost like islands," De Leo explains, calling them "a stepping-stone habitat for this and many other whale bone specialist species."

From Science Daily • Dec. 28, 2025

The town has borne the brunt of Russian advances in recent months and is a stepping-stone to the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2025

Stoney will join what’s shaping up to be a crowded race for lieutenant governor, a role that involves presiding over the state Senate and is often a stepping-stone to higher office.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024

Many saw Florida State as a stepping-stone for Bowden.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2021

Every meet is a stepping-stone to a personal best so good they’ll never be able to look away.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

stepping-stone

Example Sentences

Related Words