STEPWISE Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

stepwise

adjective

Definition of stepwise

as in gradual

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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 stepwise Their population has risen from 76 to 108, while the Central chimps’ population has seen a stepwise decline. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026 Something else Krasley observed was that the factories didn’t embark on one gigantic, expensive retrofit, but rather took a stepwise approach to accumulating cooling improvements that was easier on their bottom lines. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026 Certain fungi use enzymes to break down complex organic matter through stepwise reactions. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026 This stepwise approach will give you a reliable, privacy-compliant framework for budget allocation that evolves as your business and the market do. — Bernard May, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stepwise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepwise

Adjective

The National Weather Service says a gradual cool-down is possible next week, with rain chances increasing later in the week.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
The company cited a gradual recovery in the Middle East, growth in North America land, and broadening international activity in deep-water offshore.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of gradual

Adjective

The seven-minute video, sent in early May 2021, offered a step-by-step guide for carrying out modern warfare in a country where everything seemed to be unraveling.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
But the implant cannot yet combine motions, such as wrist rotation and finger movement, and requires step-by-step motions to achieve some tasks.

— Greg Uyeno, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of step-by-step

Adjective

The company reached approximately $500 million in cumulative pod sales by summer 2025 and expects that figure to reach $1 billion by the end of 2026.

— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
What eventually made tobacco’s cumulative harm actionable was that states showed their Medicaid budgets absorbing the downstream costs of industry products.

— Ned Cooper, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of cumulative

Browse Nearby Words

step-ups

stepwise

stereotype

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“Stepwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepwise. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepwise

adjective

Example Sentences

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