step-by-step

adjective or adverb

ˌstep-bī-ˈstep 

: marked by successive degrees usually of limited extent : gradual

Synonyms of step-by-step

• 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

Follow our step-by-step instructions for successful butter stain removal. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Register and receive the replay and step-by-step guide afterward. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

QuickBooks Free is designed to help solo business owners easily stay on top of basic bookkeeping — the setup process includes a step-by-step guide, and Intuit says users can get started in about five minutes. — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

Around the same time, OpenAI researcher Boris Alexeev managed to formalize the proof, verifying its correctness step-by-step using the programming language Lean. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for step-by-step

• multistep
• overstep
• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep
• prep

Kids Definition

step-by-step

adjective

ˌstep-bī-ˈstep

: gradual