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

As high pressure and a ridge move in behind the departing system on Monday, there will be some early morning showers followed by gradual clearing into the afternoon and evening.

— Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Filmed largely in natural daylight, the film drifts between still, unhurried, panning shots to evoke not only the spiritual energy that keeps the temples humming but also a world in slow, gradual decay.

— Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of gradual

Adjective

In this case, the goal was to distill how the models reason, or generate longer responses in order to solve hard problems step-by-step.

— Peter Hall, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026
During a consultation, talk through their goal, explain step-by-step how to approach it, give them ideas and provide a realistic time horizon.

— David Cozzens, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of step-by-step

Adjective

Other manufacturers have reported hourly production targets, weekly output figures, and cumulative production milestones.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Development reviews should also consider cumulative traffic from projects across jurisdictional boundaries.

— Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepwise

adjective

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