as in incremental
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months
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Recent Examples of gradual
Long-range global forecast models extending into late January suggest a gradual warming trend beyond this weekend.
—
Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
His successor, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who led the center-right Democrats to a surprise victory in parliamentary elections last March, favors a more gradual path.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
That gradual tempo, however, made empty possessions costly, and as those stacked up, the Terrapins crept into the game with a 10-2 run.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Leroux's guiding principle was a gradual trickling in of opulence, not instant wealth.
—Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
His successor, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who led the center-right Democrats to a surprise victory in parliamentary elections last March, favors a more gradual path.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
That gradual tempo, however, made empty possessions costly, and as those stacked up, the Terrapins crept into the game with a 10-2 run.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Leroux's guiding principle was a gradual trickling in of opulence, not instant wealth.
—Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
Adjective
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For sizable creators, the ad money might represent incremental revenue.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2026
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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
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The site for the multi-phased project was formerly Flint Elementary School, which was built in the early 1950s and remained in use until merging with Blue Jacket Elementary in 1996.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
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Functioning as a modular toolkit, each module can be applied independently or concurrently—allowing phased adoption aligned with operational goals and capital availability.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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