stepwise

adjective

step·​wise ˈstep-ˌwīz How to pronounce stepwise (audio)
Synonyms of stepwisenext
1
: marked by or proceeding in steps : gradual
a stepwise approach
2
: moving by step to adjacent musical tones
stepwise adverb
moving stepwise

Examples of stepwise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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 The percentage of uninsured respondents in the 30-49 age cohort, which was the first group targeted in a stepwise introduction of the requirement, rose to 14.5% in 2018 from 10.5% in 2016. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stepwise was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Stepwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepwise. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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