stepping-stone
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.
Although the astronauts will not land on the moon, Artemis II mimics early Apollo missions that were designed as a stepping stone to test all of the equipment and procedures before making the daring landing.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Officially, the mission - which will take the crew further into space than anyone has ever been before - is a stepping stone, Nasa says, towards a permanent lunar base and eventually, Mars.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026
For Painter, whose program thrives by developing players year-over-year instead of serving as a stepping stone for future NBA stars, Smith’s evolution has been the perfect proof of concept.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
Brunson said the win was a stepping stone as the Knicks approach the midpoint of the season in third place in the Eastern Conference, behind the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
That’s when I notice a crate, a stepping stone to the top of the wall.
From "Muffled" by Jennifer Gennari
