as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
the incessant step-by-step advance of the enemy's troops could no longer be resisted
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Recent Examples of step-by-step
Check the trip planner on its website for step-by-step instructions on how to reach your destination by bus or trolley.
—
Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2026
Chrome’s latest update offers a step-by-step button-press guide to exporting web history, bookmarks and passwords from Safari to Chrome.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Then, follow the step-by-step method below.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026
While there are even loftier goals for the program than solely winning the conference – namely, a state championship – Morales adheres to a step-by-step approach to success.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step-by-step
Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2026
Chrome’s latest update offers a step-by-step button-press guide to exporting web history, bookmarks and passwords from Safari to Chrome.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Then, follow the step-by-step method below.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 17 Jan. 2026
While there are even loftier goals for the program than solely winning the conference – namely, a state championship – Morales adheres to a step-by-step approach to success.
—Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step-by-step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-by-step
gradual
Adjective
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The model successfully reproduced multiple cycles seen during the satellite era, including the gradual shift of sunspots from higher latitudes toward the solar equator—a key indicator of how a cycle develops.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Feb. 2026
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The most effective approach combines resistance training, smart exercise selection and gradual progression of weight or number of reps over time.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-by-step. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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