Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

step-by-step

adjective or adverb \ ˌstep-bī-ˈstep \

Definition of step-by-step

: marked by successive degrees usually of limited extent : gradual

See step-by-step defined for English-language learners

See step-by-step defined for kids

First Known Use of step-by-step

1581

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

step-by-step Synonyms

Synonyms

gradational, gradual, incremental, phased, piecemeal;

Antonyms

abrupt, sudden;

Near Antonyms

acute, sharp;

changeable, dynamic, meteoric, volatile;

Related Words

progressive, stepped, tapered;

imperceptible, inching;

decrescent, increscent;

STEP-BY-STEP Defined for English Language Learners

step-by-step

adjective

Definition of step-by-step for English Language Learners

  • : showing or explaining each stage in a process

  • : happening or done in a series of steps or stages

STEP-BY-STEP Defined for Kids

step-by-step

adjective \ ˌstep-bī-ˈstep \

Definition of step-by-step for Students

: moving or happening by steps one after the other Let's take a step-by-step approach to the problem.

Learn More about step-by-step

  1. See words that rhyme with step-by-step Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for step-by-step

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up step-by-step? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

thwart

play

to oppose successfully

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

step-by-step

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

  • alphabet-pasta-spelling-help
  • Which is the correct spelling?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games