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.

This is echoed on Ashton High Street by Lewis Ash, who tells me: "I don't want it to be a stepping stone for Andy Burnham."

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

"Since the election of former President Lee Myung-bak, who was a highly visible Seoul mayor, the position has been widely considered a major stepping stone for future presidential hopefuls," he told AFP.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

"We have got young staff working here and at the end of the day, sometimes this is their first port of business, this is their first stepping stone out of school."

From BBC • May 13, 2026

It is just a stepping stone to the real end of the race.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

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

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

stepping-stone

Example Sentences

Related Words