Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for stepping-stone. Search instead for stepping stones.
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.

Whale falls are "almost like islands," De Leo explains, calling them "a stepping-stone habitat for this and many other whale bone specialist species."

From Science Daily • Dec. 28, 2025

The town has borne the brunt of Russian advances in recent months and is a stepping-stone to the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2025

Stoney will join what’s shaping up to be a crowded race for lieutenant governor, a role that involves presiding over the state Senate and is often a stepping-stone to higher office.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2024

I think everybody who has a garden can help species to create a stepping-stone so that they can move to higher latitudes.

From Scientific American • Jul. 5, 2022

Who knew the vegetable pageant would be such a stepping-stone?

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle