Synonyms of step-by-stepnext
: marked by successive degrees usually of limited extent : gradual

Synonyms of step-by-step

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.
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 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 29 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

step-by-step

adjective
ˌstep-bī-ˈstep
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster