as in gradually
by small steps or amounts
little by little, we pieced together the jigsaw puzzle
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Recent Examples of little by little
The point of racially conscious practices of any kind shouldn’t be to hit particular numerical targets, but to improve, little by little, the institutions in a wealthy and powerful democracy that has not yet escaped the present effects of a deeply racist past.
—
Stephen L. Carter, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Consequently, in the 1980s, the ideas and ideals embodied in the New World Information and Communication Order debates and the MacBride Report were little by little stowed away as free market and globalization became the key words in a new digital communication era.
—Stijn Joye, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Add heat little by little and the slow burn results in a tender piece of meat without the mess of frying oil.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Back Away Slowly Retreat little by little.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for little by little
Stephen L. Carter, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Consequently, in the 1980s, the ideas and ideals embodied in the New World Information and Communication Order debates and the MacBride Report were little by little stowed away as free market and globalization became the key words in a new digital communication era.
—Stijn Joye, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Add heat little by little and the slow burn results in a tender piece of meat without the mess of frying oil.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Back Away Slowly Retreat little by little.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for little by little
Recent Examples of Synonyms for little by little
gradually
Adverb
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What began with planters for unusual desert plants gradually evolved into sculpture.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
8 June 2026
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Fiber increases work best gradually Adding more fiber can be good for your diet, but suddenly doubling your intake can backfire.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Little by little.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/little%20by%20little. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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