as in gradual
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
the incessant step-by-step advance of the enemy's troops could no longer be resisted
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Recent Examples of step-by-step
Use our step-by-step guide to learn how to make your own biochar and how to use it to improve your soil.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to clean your shower head, plus some tips on how to keep it fresh for longer.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get every screen in your home looking clear before summer humidity sets in.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
This year, backers opted for a narrow step-by-step approach to weigh the effects of the legislation.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step-by-step
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to clean your shower head, plus some tips on how to keep it fresh for longer.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get every screen in your home looking clear before summer humidity sets in.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
This year, backers opted for a narrow step-by-step approach to weigh the effects of the legislation.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for step-by-step
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-by-step
gradual
Adjective
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The effect appeared gradual and cumulative over time.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
26 Apr. 2026
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The rollout is expected to mark a gradual transition from testing environments to real-world deployment of fully unmanned driving systems.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-by-step. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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