STEPWISE Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

stepwise

adjective

Definition of stepwise

as in gradual

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Dissimilar Words

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

Is this the gradual appearance of a real person where there was once simply a comedic archetype?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
What Could Be Next The most likely path for funnel-neck outerwear is not a crash after fall but a gradual settling into classic status, with a few specific inflection points worth watching.

— Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of gradual

Adjective

The court sentenced Alongkot to a cumulative 742 years in prison, while Seksan received more than 386 years, but those sentences were automatically reduced to the legal maximum of 50 years.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
That album now has 13 cumulative weeks in the top position there.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepwise

adjective

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