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 Synonyms for step-by-step
gradual
Adjective
  • The strategy focuses on implementing a gradual approach to integrate FERNRIDE-enabled autonomous terminal tractors at HHLA TK Estonia without safety drivers.
    Richard Bishop, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Annual fatality rates in TxDOT’s Fort Worth district — encompassing Tarrant, Erath, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell and Wise counties — displayed a gradual rise before spiking in 2021.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025
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“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-by-step. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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