stepwise
adjective
step·wise
ˈstep-ˌwīz 
2
: moving by step to adjacent musical tones
stepwise
adverb
moving stepwise
Examples of stepwise in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Certain fungi use enzymes to break down complex organic matter through stepwise reactions.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
This stepwise approach will give you a reliable, privacy-compliant framework for budget allocation that evolves as your business and the market do.
—Bernard May, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The percentage of uninsured respondents in the 30-49 age cohort, which was the first group targeted in a stepwise introduction of the requirement, rose to 14.5% in 2018 from 10.5% in 2016.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
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.
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
This stepwise approach will give you a reliable, privacy-compliant framework for budget allocation that evolves as your business and the market do.
—Bernard May, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
The percentage of uninsured respondents in the 30-49 age cohort, which was the first group targeted in a stepwise introduction of the requirement, rose to 14.5% in 2018 from 10.5% in 2016.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Stepwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepwise. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
