stepwise
adjective
step·wise ˈstep-ˌwīz 
1
: marked by or proceeding in steps : gradual
a stepwise approach
2
: moving by step to adjacent musical tones
stepwise adverb
moving stepwise
Word History
First Known Use
1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1
stepwise
adjective
as in gradual
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- gradual
- cumulative
- step-by-step
- incremental
- accumulative
- additive
- accretive
- conglomerative
- progressive
- aggregated
- accrued
- compiled
- increscent
- accruable
- amassed
- built-up
- conglomerated
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- decremental
- regressive
- degressive
- decrescent