as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon
the path goes up at a pretty steep gradient before leveling off
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Recent Examples of gradient
This means that a missile suspended on an external pylon or inside an internal weapons bay is subjected to extreme gradients in pressure and velocity.
—
David Szondy
june 04, New Atlas, 4 June 2026
Accessibility While there are two rooms suitable for those with mobility impairments, the grounds have irregular surfaces and some steep gradients.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
According to Painted By Esther, the key is creating dimension, gradient and structure through intentional color placement.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
For sunny styles, try Norma Kamali’s electric yellow strapless dress or Significant Other’s sunset gradient.
—Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradient
David Szondy
june 04, New Atlas, 4 June 2026
Accessibility While there are two rooms suitable for those with mobility impairments, the grounds have irregular surfaces and some steep gradients.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
According to Painted By Esther, the key is creating dimension, gradient and structure through intentional color placement.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
For sunny styles, try Norma Kamali’s electric yellow strapless dress or Significant Other’s sunset gradient.
—Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradient
Noun
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Giant agaves, lomandra, aeoniums, aloes, blue grasses and sages covered the slope from the house to the pool.—
Nicole Sours Larson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 June 2026
-
The observation from the slope of the Tonga Trench is nearly 700 meters deeper than this species was known to live.—
Mark Osborne,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The 11 satellites on board are flying to a mid-inclination orbit.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 June 2026
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That was a statement signaling that even if the committee made no changes to interest rates, its inclination in the future would be to cut, rather than hike.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Noun
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Plus, their elevated heels place your feet at a gentle incline for natural heel-to-toe transitions.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
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Savin Hill Beach also made a substantial comeback in 2025 with a perfect 100% rating, a sharp incline from 68% the year before, the report showed.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gradient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradient. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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