step-by-step

adjective or adverb

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.
Below, check out the differences between the VPNs, along with step-by-step instructions on how to use them to watch Love Island UK in the US. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 1 June 2026 Yolo County has a step-by-step explainer on its website of how vote-by-mail ballots are counted. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026 Ortberg’s following a nothing-flashy, back-to-basics, step-by-step approach that targets big improvements in quality, reliability and on-time delivery. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 June 2026 Cadence had taken the first step, but the process still relied on step-by-step prompts to orchestrate the workflow. Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 1 June 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 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

step-by-step

adjective
ˌstep-bī-ˈstep
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