CUMULATIVE Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

cumulative

adjective

ˈkyü-myə-lə-tiv

Definition of cumulative

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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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 Korkiya said the significance of those measures is cumulative. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026 On a cumulative basis, nearly 10 million fewer fans tuned in for the early games than was the case a year ago. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026 After Gerald’s Game (2017), Doctor Sleep (2019), and The Life of Chuck (2024) — and with The Mist on the way — there’s something enticing about Flanagan taking his cumulative knowledge of the author’s lexicon to revisit King’s very first novel. — Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026 The judges’ points and viewer votes are then combined, and the couple with the lowest cumulative score is eliminated. — Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cumulative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cumulative

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

Grail says its Galleri test should be additive to standardized cancer screenings, like colonoscopies and mammograms, and not be used as a replacement.

— Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026
If an ad feels useful, timely and well-matched to the moment, the experience can feel additive.

— Jon Kirchner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of additive

Adjective

It can be used as an alarm to wake your kids up in the morning, as well as a gradual sunrise or sunset lamp that gradually adjusts brightness.

— George Yang, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
But its Africa operations — which are still mostly about human health, with a gradual foray into livestock insemination — are benefitting from government funding.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of gradual

Browse Nearby Words

cumulations

cumulative

cumulativeness

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“Cumulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumulative. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cumulative

adjective

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