STEPWISE Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

stepwise

adjective

Definition of stepwise

as in gradual

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of stepwise Their population has risen from 76 to 108, while the Central chimps’ population has seen a stepwise decline. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026 Something else Krasley observed was that the factories didn’t embark on one gigantic, expensive retrofit, but rather took a stepwise approach to accumulating cooling improvements that was easier on their bottom lines. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026 Certain fungi use enzymes to break down complex organic matter through stepwise reactions. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026 This stepwise approach will give you a reliable, privacy-compliant framework for budget allocation that evolves as your business and the market do. — Bernard May, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stepwise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepwise

Adjective

If the answer is yes, then waiting ceases to be a strategy of restraint and begins to look like gradual erosion of power and strength.

— Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Roland Nieratka said the gradual increase in bag fees was put in place as a way to shift peoples’ habits.

— Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of gradual

Adjective

Learn line dancing with step-by-step instruction of easy-to-do-dances by instructor Delia Schletter.

— Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
Plunge’s app includes a clear step-by-step guide, the electronic connections are labeled, and the panels fit together logically.

— Evan Russum, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of step-by-step

Adjective

Under the settlement, teen accounts would default to a setting that limits cumulative use across both Facebook and Instagram to two hours per day.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
Yet these sectors are placing overlapping claims on the same forests and finite land, putting cumulative pressure on an increasingly fragile resource base.

— Kari Stoever, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of cumulative

Browse Nearby Words

step-ups

stepwise

stereotype

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“Stepwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepwise. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepwise

adjective

Example Sentences

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