little by little

adverb

Definition of little by littlenext
as in gradually
by small steps or amounts little by little, we pieced together the jigsaw puzzle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of little by little The animator tries it, changes it, undoes it, and little by little the character comes alive. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 June 2026 Work on it all summer, adding to it little by little. — Parents, 11 June 2026 Practice is super important to build the pace little by little. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 4 June 2026 Higher education officials have watched their pool of typical applicants dwindle little by little. — Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for little by little
Recent Examples of Synonyms for little by little
gradually
Adverb
  • Most of the time, though, Crypto is removed gradually as the pool's filtration system continuously circulates and filters the water.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 20 July 2026
  • From there, travelers can rent a car and settle into vacation mode as the Blue Ridge Mountains gradually come into view on the scenic, hour-and-a-half drive to Highlands via I-26 East.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
Definition of gradually

Browse Nearby Words

little bitty
little by little
little guy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Little by little.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/little%20by%20little. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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