little by little

adverb

: by small degrees or amounts : gradually

Synonyms of little by little

• gradually
• bit by bit
• by degrees

Examples of little by little in a Sentence

little by little, we pieced together the jigsaw puzzle

Recent Examples on the Web

And little by little, Venezuela slipped off the front pages — even though, for millions of people, the work of rebuilding is just getting started. — Cristina Guevara, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

And each time another first-time climber reaches the top, the applause rising from the rocks below suggests that, little by little, that community is growing. — Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

And with each throw, Matt’s own place in the world was defined, little by little. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 21 June 2026

The animator tries it, changes it, undoes it, and little by little the character comes alive. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for little by little

• noncommittal
• prehospital
• acquittal
• belittle
• committal
• hospital
• popliteal
• submittal
• transmittal
• brittle
• kittel
• kittle

Kids Definition

little by little

adverb

: by small steps or amounts : gradually