gradual

grad·u·al | \ ˈgra-jə-wəl

How to pronounce gradual (audio)

, -jəl, ˈgraj-wəl \

Definition of gradual

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

2 : proceeding by steps or degrees

gradual

noun, often capitalized

Definition of gradual (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a book containing the choral parts of the Mass

2 : a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass

Other Words from gradual Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about gradual

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Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Adjective We noticed a gradual change in temperature. The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, predicted a gradual change in the number of COVID-19 cases during a press conference on Tuesday. — Madison Dibble, Washington Examiner, "'A hump instead of a peak': Fauci predicts gradual reduction in coronavirus cases," 17 Mar. 2020 But Gomez and others also lamented the gradual changes that occurred at Cafe Flore, starting in the early 2000s, when a series of new owners took over, the decor changed and some observed a drop in food quality. — Janelle Bitker, SFChronicle.com, "Remembering Cafe Flore, a 47-year-old Castro institution with an uncertain future," 10 Jan. 2020 This year’s 20% increase in Mexico’s minimum wage was among reasons that central bankers opted to maintain a gradual pace of interest-rate cuts in December despite a deteriorating economic growth outlook, minutes to the meeting showed Thursday. — Anthony Harrup, WSJ, "Minimum Wage Rise Helped Keep Bank of Mexico Cautious," 2 Jan. 2020 The erosion has been gradual enough that many Americans have become inured to it, numb to the alarm. — Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, "Why Democracy Is on the Decline in the United States," 10 Mar. 2020 Advocates say these laws have caused a gradual decrease in the number of clinics in the state. — Kristofer Rios, ABC News, "'Last clinic' standing? Critics fear abortion case before Supreme Court could have nationwide impact on abortion facilities," 7 Mar. 2020 Cincinnati weather forecast: Thursday: Mostly cloudy, then gradual clearing during the afternoon, with a high near 57. Overnight chance of rain and snow showers, mainly after 4 a.m. Low around 34. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati weather: Snow on Friday, highs in the 60s on Sunday," 4 Mar. 2020 The second has a more tame, tapered onset and a more gradual offset. — Sarah Scoles, Wired, "How UFO Sightings Became an American Obsession," 3 Mar. 2020 The rate cut is larger than the quarter-point moves the Fed had made in 2019 during more gradual, previous rate cuts. — Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, "Federal Reserve delivers surprise interest rate cut amid coronavirus scare," 3 Mar. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gradual.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near gradual

gradocol membrane

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Last Updated

27 Mar 2020

Cite this Entry

“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradual. Accessed 31 Mar. 2020.

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More Definitions for gradual

gradual

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of gradual

: moving or changing in small amounts : happening in a slow way over a long period of time

: not steep

See the full definition for gradual in the English Language Learners Dictionary

gradual

grad·u·al | \ ˈgra-jə-wəl

\

Kids Definition of gradual

: moving or happening by steps or degrees We watched the gradual approach of the train.

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