Definitions

stepping-stone

NOUN

instrumentation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apparatus instrument

STRONG

agency agent aid auspices avenue channel course dodge equipment expedient factor fashion gimmick instrumentality intermediary machinery manner measure mechanism medium ministry mode organ organization paraphernalia path power process road route step system tactic technique trick vehicle

WEAK

modus operandi ways and means

Antonyms

STRONG

blockage disorganization ignorance

NOUN

means

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aid channel equipment factor instrument measure mechanism medium mode power process route step system tactic technique vehicle

STRONG

agency agent apparatus auspices avenue course dodge expedient fashion gimmick instrumentality instrumentation intermediary machinery manner ministry organ organization paraphernalia path road trick

WEAK

modus operandi ways and means

Antonyms

STRONGEST

end

WEAK

paucity poorness shame

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.

So coming from a jazz standpoint, I had some strong opinions of who I wanted to be and music school was just my stepping stone — my way out of the house.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

The green group said the corridor follows the "stepping stone" connectivity model developed by Bugslife, which shows that habitat patches no more than 300m apart can restore ecosystems at a landscape scale.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

For now, Cole just wants to repay the faith rather than see Cesena as a stepping stone to home.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Hours later, Pakistan's government said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had met Vance, expressing hope the talks would serve as "a stepping stone toward durable peace in the region".

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

But that was itself a mere stepping stone to greater things.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

stepping-stone

Example Sentences

Related Words