Crossword Genius

Trod again, changing step (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gradation

'step' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'trod again changing' is the wordplay.
'changing' indicates anagramming the letters.
'trod'+'again'='trodagain'
'trodagain' with letters rearranged gives 'GRADATION'.

(Other definitions for gradation that I've seen before include "Spoil" , "Scale of successive changes or stages" , "Change of tone" , "series of changes" , "Degree, step" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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