GRADUAL Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

gradual

adjective

ˈgra-jə-wəl

Definition of gradual next

as in incremental

proceeding or changing by steps or degrees a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of gradual The City Council also approved the gradual adoption of a cashless payment system, where transaction fees will be passed on to consumers. —

Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 Hiding in plain sight Pennsylvania, like many northern states, responded to the Declaration of Independence’s rhetorical commitment to liberty by enacting a gradual emancipation law. —

Carolyn Zola, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 The work, which moved more people than Harbour ever dreamed of reaching, came with a gradual loss of his personhood. —

Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026 How To Start Intermittent Fasting Safely For most healthy adult women, the evidence supports a gradual approach. —

Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual

Adjective

This change has fundamentally revolutionized the pace of innovation—shifting us away from incremental advances and toward more rapid, system-level transformations across science and engineering.

— Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
Digital advertising may be among the strongest winners, generating and estimate of roughly $5 billion in incremental global advertising spending, with 73% flowing through digital channels.

— Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 14 June 2026