STEP-BY-STEP Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

step-by-step

adjective

ˌstep-bī-ˈstep

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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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 step-by-step The coin-sized tags can be discreetly attached to keychains or placed in luggage, glove compartments, or backpacks in order to track your belongings in real time, offering step-by-step directions to locate them via the ‘Find My’ app. —

Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026 Below is our step-by-step guide to doing it the proper way. —

Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2026 Each episode builds on the last, reflecting a step-by-step development process that mirrors human learning and adaptation. —

Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026 The step-by-step approach matters because going cold turkey rarely sticks. —

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for step-by-step

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-by-step

gradual

Adjective

While Downdetector initially showed widespread reports, trends suggested a gradual recovery before Apple declared the issue fully resolved.

— David Phelan, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Also a recovery in oil and gas production would likely also be gradual rather than immediate.

— Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 29 May 2026