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 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

Adjective

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

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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Style

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

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Synonyms of stepwise

adjective

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