Synonyms of step-by-step

step-by-step

adjective

ˌstep-bī-ˈstep 

as in gradual

proceeding or changing by steps or degrees

the incessant step-by-step advance of the enemy's troops could no longer be resisted

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gradual
• piecemeal
• incremental
• phased
• gradational
• tapered
• stepped
• progressive
• imperceptible
• decrescent
• inching
• increscent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sudden
• abrupt
• discontinuous
• dynamic
• acute
• sharp
• saltatory
• volatile
• changeable
• meteoric

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of step-by-step

See our step-by-step guide to rolling over a 401(k) for how that works. — USA Today, 24 July 2026

Nvidia highlighted in that disclosure that Vera trades core count for single-thread speed, a design choice aimed at the step-by-step reasoning common in AI agent workloads. — Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Learn how to effectively clean and maintain your linoleum floors with this step-by-step guide. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

Arduous technical reviews, paperwork and rigid, step-by-step requirements can take months to work through. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Content creator Alexa Santos, known on for her viral recipes as @alexawhatsfordinner, tried her hand at the frozen watermelon dessert, sharing a video of her step-by-step guide that has since amassed more than 32,000 likes. — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 10 July 2026

It’s designed to be approachable for DIY beginners and seasoned builders alike, and comes with step-by-step assembly instructions. — Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

Critically, the model does not seem to use this J-space for every kind of output, only those that require a lot of step-by-step reasoning. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 July 2026

Get the most out of your green onions with this step-by-step guide to storing and regrowing them. — Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026