iterative

adjective

it·​er·​a·​tive ˈi-tə-ˌrā-tiv  -rə- 

: involving repetition: such as

a

: expressing repetition of a verbal action

b

: utilizing the repetition of a sequence of operations or procedures

iterative programming methods

iteratively adverb

Examples of iterative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After a chip is first designed, its performance has to be carefully tested and verified in an iterative process before the designs can be sent off to a foundry. —Will Knight, Wired News, 15 Apr. 2026

This framing reflects the iterative process of writing about grief, especially in today’s context of exposure due to social media. —Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026

Even using high-throughput, the process was still iterative: looking through combinations to find a little benefit. —Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 15 Mar. 2026

The poor sales of the S25 Edge revealed low sustained demand that would likely have been even lower for an iterative second release. —Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for iterative

• allocative
• appellative
• commutative
• connotative
• copulative
• degradative
• dissipative
• educative
• exudative
• facultative
• imitative
• infiltrative