stepwise

adjective

step·​wise ˈstep-ˌwīz 

1

: marked by or proceeding in steps : gradual

a stepwise approach

2

: moving by step to adjacent musical tones

stepwise adverb

moving stepwise

Examples of stepwise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their population has risen from 76 to 108, while the Central chimps’ population has seen a stepwise decline. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026

Something else Krasley observed was that the factories didn’t embark on one gigantic, expensive retrofit, but rather took a stepwise approach to accumulating cooling improvements that was easier on their bottom lines. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stepwise

• advise
• applies
• apprise
• arise
• assize
• baptize
• belies
• bitwise
• capsize
• chastise
• chordwise
• clockwise