incremental

adjective

in·​cre·​men·​tal ˌiŋ-krə-ˈmen-tᵊl 

ˌin-

: of, relating to, being, or occurring in especially small increments

incremental additions

incremental change

incrementally

ˌiŋ-krə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

ˌin-

adverb

Synonyms of incremental

• gradual

Examples of incremental in a Sentence

the incremental evolution of the collection from a specialized gallery into a comprehensive art museum

the incremental total for my collection of baseball cards

Recent Examples on the Web

In an organization where virtually every meaningful decision requires the agreement of 193 member states, even incremental reforms represent unusually difficult victories. — Bethany Mandel, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 2026

This incremental expansion would continue until 2032, when cars manufactured before 1986 would become exempt. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026

The revisions have been incremental and sometimes inconsistent, according to IMPACT-se. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Jim likes to buy alongside the executives, and that's what he's been doing for the Club in incremental purchases since initiating the position in early June. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing incremental

• incremental repetition

Rhymes for incremental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• instrumental
• interdental
• monumental
• nonjudgmental