LITTLE BY LITTLE Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

little by little

adverb

Definition of little by little

as in gradually

by small steps or amounts little by little, we pieced together the jigsaw puzzle

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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

The trailer starts in the familiar territory of family and aspiration before gradually tightening its grip.

— Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 10 Aug. 2026
Faith King and Josiah Fagerstrom both deliver delightfully prickly repartee as their characters gradually manage to surpass archetype.

— Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of gradually

Browse Nearby Words

little bitty

little by little

little guy

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“Little by little.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/little%20by%20little. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of little by little

adverb

Example Sentences

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