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 The cumulative hospitalization rate is the third highest by this point in the season since 2010-11, but that could change as more people are infected. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026 Environmental groups and area fishermen and shrimpers are suing to block the new facility, claiming regulators have not adequately assessed the cumulative environmental impacts of it when considered alongside other LNG export facilities in the area currently operating or in the planning stages. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 5 Jan. 2026 The Razorbacks had more cumulative points than their opponents through 12 games before finally falling behind in that category after a 31-17 home loss to Missouri in the season-finale. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 31 Dec. 2025 Aluminum salts are naturally present in soil and water, and the amount children are exposed to from vaccines is minuscule compared with cumulative daily exposures from food. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cumulative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cumulative
Adjective
  • Overall, the accumulative impact of cost pressures represents a 20% to 25% increase over the agency’s current long-range financial plan.
    Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The accumulative effects of a whole comprised of many different foods with artificial dyes, consumed over a lifetime, is even harder to assess.
    Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, Fleury’s easygoing personality would be additive to the dressing room and should remove any potential concerns about how things might go if the organization carries three goaltenders with Calvin Pickard still in the mix, too.
    Chris Johnston, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
  • Ammonia, which can cause nose, throat and respiratory tract irritation, is often added to tobacco products to increase the body’s absorption of nicotine and make tobacco more additive, the US Food and Drug Administration states on its website.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • For sizable creators, the ad money might represent incremental revenue.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Seen as being a part of a restructuring plan that will refocus the company, the surprising move could give the company incremental savings in the range of $45 million to $50 million.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Add Slow-Release Fertilizer Incorporate worm castings or compost into the potting mix for a gradual nutrient release as the strawberries start to grow.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Many of those campuses have tried for years to shed reputations of elitism, with only gradual changes in enrollment.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cumulative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumulative. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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