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 And each time another first-time climber reaches the top, the applause rising from the rocks below suggests that, little by little, that community is growing. — Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 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 science did not support this view, but the market did, and so the messaging to and among parents gradually shifted.

— Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
The populists have gradually taken over Serbia’s institutions and mainstream media after coming to power in 2012.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of gradually

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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 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of little by little

adverb

Example Sentences

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