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.

At its annual developer conference, Microsoft Build, the group unveiled MAI-Thinking-1, its first "reasoning" model -- AI systems that break down problems step-by-step before responding, similar to offerings from OpenAI, Google or Anthropic.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

A step-by-step guide for where to put your money for your child’s future.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

You can take a virtual tour of the five rooms of the Biocontainment Unit and its step-by-step process of managing extra-infectious patients.

From Slate • May 14, 2026

A step-by-step process will need to be undertaken before the station can re-open.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Three nuthatches he found later provided a sorry little step-by-step lesson in cause and effect: one was feeding on an elm, another was found dying of typical DDT symptoms, the third was dead.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

step-by-step

Example Sentences

Related Words