STEP-BY-STEP Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

step-by-step

adjective

ˌstep-bī-ˈstep

Definition of step-by-step

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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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 step-by-step The latter provides a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make a pair of jeans on industrial and domestic sewing machines. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 In the kitchen, HomeView turns recipes into step-by-step instructions with hands-free timers. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2026 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 Use this step-by-step guide to try your hand at propagating your favorite begonias. — Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026 Follow these step-by-step instructions, courtesy of Martha and Hosanna. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026 Follow our step-by-step instructions for successful butter stain removal. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026 QuickBooks Free is designed to help solo business owners easily stay on top of basic bookkeeping — the setup process includes a step-by-step guide, and Intuit says users can get started in about five minutes. — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-by-step

gradual

Adjective

The coldest temperatures are still ahead Sunday morning, before a gradual warming trend gets underway.

— Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 17 Oct. 2026
Another highlight was Oude Waag, where Yin Jingwei continued to fuel his work with the emotional journey through personal difficulty and the gradual acceptance of circumstances.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of gradual

Browse Nearby Words

stepbrothers

step-by-step

step-down

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“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-by-step. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of step-by-step

adjective

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