gradation
noun
gra·da·tion
grā-ˈdā-shən 
grə-
1
a
: a series forming successive stages
the gradations of evolutionary development
b
: a step or place in an ordered scale
2
: an advance by regular degrees
gradations of social progress
3
: a gradual passing from one tint or shade to another
4
: the act or process of grading
5
: ablaut
gradationally
adverb
Did you know?
In the Boy Scouts, gradations of rank move upward from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout. A violin or a voice can produce gradations of musical pitch too small to appear in written music. In the 18th century Jonathan Swift could even write of "the several kinds and gradations of laughter, which ladies must daily practice by the looking-glass".
Examples of gradation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The indigo aesthetic is carried into the collection’s embroidery thread, expressed in gradations of blue.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 May 2025
Since the moon is moving to the north of the center of the Earth's umbra, the gradation of color and brightness across the moon's disk should be such that its lower portion should appear darkest, with hues of deep copper or chocolate brown.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Where most thermal cameras are tuned to show off narrow gradations of temperatures across a wide range, the T2 Max focuses on those frequencies most likely to be given off by a warm-blooded creature like a bird or mammal.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2025
On the face of it, not much happens here; there are gradations in mood, like light changing over the course of a day, along with a seeping of details about Rose’s past, but the drama is kept corralled for the final showpiece.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradation
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.
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 May 2025
Since the moon is moving to the north of the center of the Earth's umbra, the gradation of color and brightness across the moon's disk should be such that its lower portion should appear darkest, with hues of deep copper or chocolate brown.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Where most thermal cameras are tuned to show off narrow gradations of temperatures across a wide range, the T2 Max focuses on those frequencies most likely to be given off by a warm-blooded creature like a bird or mammal.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2025
On the face of it, not much happens here; there are gradations in mood, like light changing over the course of a day, along with a seeping of details about Rose’s past, but the drama is kept corralled for the final showpiece.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradation
Cite this Entry
“Gradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradation. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gradation
noun
gra·da·tion
grā-ˈdā-shən
grə-
1
a
: a series of grades
2
: the act or process of grading
gradationally
adverb
-ē
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share