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Showing results for step-by-step.
Definitions

step-by-step

ADJECTIVE
gradual
Synonyms
STRONGEST
piecemeal
WEAK
bit-by-bit by degrees continuous creeping even gentle gradational graduate moderate progressive regular slow steady successive unhurried
ADVERB
gradually and steadily
Synonyms
STRONG
bit by bit drop by drop gradually inch by inch little by little one by one piecemeal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When placed at an injury site, the remaining cartilage structure can act like a blueprint that helps the body rebuild damaged bone step by step.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

Reporter Martin Fackler, who said that entering post-storm Fukushima was “like entering hell,” breaks down, step by step, what occurs inside a nuclear reactor when power is lost and the fissionable material can’t be cooled.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

The lust for vengeance eventually gets the better of him, but Swenson leads us step by step to depravity through sorrow, injustice and humiliation.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

"The mentality is the same, it's always in your mind that you want to win it. But I'm trying to shift my focus on the right things and take it step by step."

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

I can’t roll off the foot like I can with my regular leg, but I move forward step by step until suddenly I’m at the end of the bars.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen