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
Mario is moving toward the west-northwest at almost 12 mph, with a gradual turn toward the northwest expected over the next couple of days, according to forecasters.
—
Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
The forcing of the system toward a bifurcation — caused by, say, a gradual buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere — is defined by myriad subtle and interconnected variables.
—Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
According to Google Trends, searches in the fluffy figurine with a grin of spiky teeth peaked in the week of July 13 to 19, and has since seen a gradual decline.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Compounds in both these minerals are part of a chemical process called redox gradients, which refers to a series of gradual changes over physical space where chemicals can oxidize (lose electrons) or reduce (gain electrons).
—Amy J. Williams, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
The forcing of the system toward a bifurcation — caused by, say, a gradual buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere — is defined by myriad subtle and interconnected variables.
—Gregory Barber, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
According to Google Trends, searches in the fluffy figurine with a grin of spiky teeth peaked in the week of July 13 to 19, and has since seen a gradual decline.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Compounds in both these minerals are part of a chemical process called redox gradients, which refers to a series of gradual changes over physical space where chemicals can oxidize (lose electrons) or reduce (gain electrons).
—Amy J. Williams, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
Adjective
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These reports can encourage investors—and therefore the company’s executives and board—to focus on incremental financial metrics and hype versus longer-term product investments and initiatives.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
17 Sep. 2025
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Even incremental changes in these areas can drastically reduce the blast radius of a breach and your recovery time if ransomware hits.—
Austin Gadient,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Most enterprises operate hybrid environments combining legacy systems, modern processors and various service providers—making a phased approach essential for managing risk while demonstrating value.—
Dave Glaser,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Because of that overt threat, all of the hostage deals so far were designed as phased and gradual, according to an Israeli source with knowledge of the negotiations.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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