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
Here’s a smarter, step-by-step approach that actually works.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
The first stage features detailed instructions — a step-by-step guide, really — on how to assemble the vehicle or structure in question, but the latter two are delightfully vague.
—Ian Stokes, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2026
How To Transplant Hydrangeas Here's a step-by-step guide to transplanting hydrangeas.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026
That’s when Jack discovers the tin full of custom drugs that were left in their room by the demented chemistry major who used to live there (the reliably hilarious Sarah Sherman, appearing in a step-by-step YouTube tutorial about surviving the pills her character invented).
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step-by-step
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
The first stage features detailed instructions — a step-by-step guide, really — on how to assemble the vehicle or structure in question, but the latter two are delightfully vague.
—Ian Stokes, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2026
How To Transplant Hydrangeas Here's a step-by-step guide to transplanting hydrangeas.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026
That’s when Jack discovers the tin full of custom drugs that were left in their room by the demented chemistry major who used to live there (the reliably hilarious Sarah Sherman, appearing in a step-by-step YouTube tutorial about surviving the pills her character invented).
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step-by-step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-by-step
gradual
Adjective
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But some observers foresee the nickel’s ultimate demise, given the steady march of inflation and the gradual erosion of purchasing power in a five-cent coin.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
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That gradual shift in pressure, however, didn’t just happen overnight.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-by-step. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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