step-by-step

adjective or adverb

: marked by successive degrees usually of limited extent : gradual

Examples of step-by-step in a Sentence

the incessant step-by-step advance of the enemy's troops could no longer be resisted
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verifying Your Google Business Profile Google offers step-by-step verification instructions. Oleg Levitas, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Burg Simpson provides step-by-step instructions on what to do immediately following a car accident. Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2025 Choose who'll be in charge during such visits and make a list with step-by-step instructions for responding to ICE agents. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 This series is meant to be the payoff of all that hard work — of Winnipeg’s courage to hire Bowness, Bowness’ courage to remove a franchise cornerstone’s captaincy and the step-by-step emergence of this generation of Jets players. Murat Ates, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step-by-step

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of step-by-step was in 1581

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/step-by-step. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

step-by-step

adjective
ˌstep-bī-ˈstep
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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