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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gradual Once their kids were in school, moms seemed to be allowed a gradual ascent back into the warmth and light of personhood. —

Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026 The agony of America’s post-1945 wars has been their gradual inducement of a sense of futility. —

Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 9 Apr. 2026 Results are gradual and dependent on dosage—and many of said studies are small or industry-funded. —

Brianna Peters, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2026 Stanford’s own guidance recommends a gradual ramp-up, and trial participants experienced initial bloating that resolved over time. —

Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual

Adjective

Zooming out, some of the wins measured across the full pool of brands included incremental gains in on-screen representation of plus-size talent, 55-plus talent and nonwhite talent (though representation of the former two cohorts, respectively, still hasn’t reached 7 percent of screen time).

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 13 Apr. 2026
To be sure, that's incremental and not a slam dunk.

— Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026