step-by-step
adjective or adverb
ˌstep-bī-ˈstep 
: marked by successive degrees usually of limited extent : gradual
Synonyms
- gradational
- gradual
- incremental
- phased
- piecemeal
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
First Known Use
1581, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
step-by-step
adjective
ˌstep-bī-ˈstep
: moving or happening by steps one after the other Let's take a step-by-step approach to the problem.
step-by-step
adjective
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- gradual
- piecemeal
- incremental
- phased
- gradational
- stepped
- tapered
- imperceptible
- progressive
- inching
- decrescent
- increscent
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sudden
- abrupt
- dynamic
- discontinuous
- sharp
- acute
- saltatory
- volatile
- changeable
- meteoric