as in gradually
by small steps or amounts
little by little, we pieced together the jigsaw puzzle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Between the 1950s and 1990s, South Africa faced a strong boycott movement that, little by little, turned it into a pariah.
—
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Diners can add the ingredients all at once or little by little—so the noodles don’t get soggy and the meat cooks just so.
—Bao Ong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
After the loss of her grandmother, cleaner Flora connects deeply with a teacher who, little by little, is becoming transparent.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Suddenly, little by little, the schedule completely went away, obviously.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for little by little
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Diners can add the ingredients all at once or little by little—so the noodles don’t get soggy and the meat cooks just so.
—Bao Ong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
After the loss of her grandmother, cleaner Flora connects deeply with a teacher who, little by little, is becoming transparent.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Suddenly, little by little, the schedule completely went away, obviously.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for little by little
Recent Examples of Synonyms for little by little
gradually
Adverb
-
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis say Central Indiana's mostly cloudy skies Tuesday night will gradually clear into the evening.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Prevent soreness by training gradually, staying hydrated, eating protein, and sleeping well.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Little by little.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/little%20by%20little. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share