Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun stepping_stone

2 senses of stepping stone

Sense 1
stepping stone -- (a stone in a marsh or shallow water that can be stepped on in crossing)
       => rock, stone -- (a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter; "he threw a rock at me")

Sense 2
stepping stone -- (any means of advancement; "the job was just a stepping stone on his way to fame and riches")
       => means, agency, way -- (how a result is obtained or an end is achieved; "a means of control"; "an example is the best agency of instruction"; "the true way to success")