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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-by-step
gradual
Adjective
  • While the first two brackets seemed to have an overwhelmingly positive reaction, aside from a few disgruntled fans upset that their favorite queens weren’t moving on to the next round, the third bracket shifted from genuine excitement to what could be seen as gradual fatigue.
    Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Though the pandemic devastated many of the area’s independent businesses, Jordan saw opportunity in the district’s gradual revival.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 June 2025
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“Step-by-step.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-by-step. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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