cumulative

adjective

ˈkyü-myə-lə-tiv How to pronounce cumulative (audio)
Definition of cumulativenext
as in accumulative
produced by a series of additions of identical or similar things a cumulative weight gain of 20 pounds over the course of a year

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cumulative His four years in Denver were characterized by first-round losses and a cumulative 3-16 playoff record. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026 Since the challenge launched in 2017, cumulative participation has exceeded 16 million, a remarkable figure for an initiative that began with a simple invitation to exercise for half an hour a day. — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026 Vidio, which launched in 2014, is Indonesia’s largest streaming platform by cumulative reach as of 2026. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026 Each of these activities is small in itself but the monitoring of them is a constant cumulative burden. — Denis Sinelnikov, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cumulative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cumulative
  1. accumulative
  2. additive
  3. incremental
  4. gradual
Adjective
  • The choice of Miami Beach as the festival’s long-term home is less accidental than accumulative.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • According to a new paper, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, accumulative stresses in the Earth’s crust in California are higher today than at any point over the last 1,000 years, raising concerns over the potential for a massive rupture in the Los Angeles region.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 10 June 2026
Definition of accumulative
Adjective
  • Legally, up to one percent of additives are allowed to be used without being disclosed to augment color and flavor, but nowadays many tequila drinkers are specifically seeking out additive-free expressions.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2026
  • This additive forms strong chelating bonds with the perovskite framework.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of additive
Adjective
  • United preached incremental optimism for much of the 2026 MLS campaign.
    — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The accumulation of unemployment, underemployment, and low wages for Chinese households and workers are already significant, yet Beijing has responded with only modest new household subsidies and incremental investment in social services.
    — Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of incremental
Adjective
  • Today Since the transition from pensions to DC plans, there have been gradual improvements in the DC system that have improved the uptake and utilization of these retirement savings plans.
    — Jeff Stevenson, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That makes this plan a better fit for gradual archiving than rapid transfers of large collections.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of gradual

Browse Nearby Words

cumulations
cumulative
cumulativeness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cumulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumulative. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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