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

See our step-by-step guide to rolling over a 401(k) for how that works. — USA Today, 24 July 2026

Nvidia highlighted in that disclosure that Vera trades core count for single-thread speed, a design choice aimed at the step-by-step reasoning common in AI agent workloads. — Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Learn how to effectively clean and maintain your linoleum floors with this step-by-step guide. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

Arduous technical reviews, paperwork and rigid, step-by-step requirements can take months to work through. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 22 July 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