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

It can be used as an alarm to wake your kids up in the morning, as well as a gradual sunrise or sunset lamp that gradually adjusts brightness.

— George Yang, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
But its Africa operations — which are still mostly about human health, with a gradual foray into livestock insemination — are benefitting from government funding.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of gradual

Adjective

The second is to treat any one metric, whether fleet size, cumulative miles, or a funding valuation, as sufficient evidence of scale on its own.

— Interesting Engineering, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
His campaign committee was formed before Aquino’s current campaign committee, making the candidates’ cumulative totals an imperfect comparison.

— Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of cumulative

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step-ups

stepwise

stereotype

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“Stepwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepwise. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepwise

adjective

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