gradual

noun, often capitalized

grad·u·al | \ ˈgra-jə-wəl

, -jəl, ˈgraj-wəl\

Definition of gradual

(Entry 1 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

gradual

adjective

Definition of gradual (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : proceeding by steps or degrees

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

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

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Synonyms & Antonyms for gradual

Synonyms: Adjective

gradational, incremental, phased, piecemeal, step-by-step

Antonyms: Adjective

abrupt, sudden

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

The 68-year-old, who was not named in the case report published by the New England Journal of Medicine, had complained of a weeklong fever and the gradual painful swelling of lymph nodes. — Alexandria Hein, Fox News, "Man's painful bacterial infection linked to pet cat," 12 Sep. 2018 Matthews’ 34 goals led the Maple Leafs; Laine’s 43 for Winnipeg were second in the NHL; Hischier’s 48 points were second on the Devils; and Patrick’s 30 and gradual improvement earned him a promotion to the Flyers’ second-line center spot. — Washington Post, "Top picks from 2016 and 2017 are unfazed by playoff pressure," 18 Apr. 2018 But economists have said 2018 should continue a trend of gradual improvement in new-home construction that will remain well below normal levels. — Wsj Staff, WSJ, "Global Economy Week Ahead: Global Growth Forecasts, U.S. Retail Sales and Housing Starts," 11 Mar. 2018 Microsoft Teams is moving ahead in its gradual replacement of Skype for Business, which was once Microsoft’s go-to solution for collaborating via video or text. — Mark Hachman, PCWorld, "Microsoft Teams taps AI to boost new background, whiteboarding features," 19 Mar. 2019 The king announced gradual constitutional reforms in March 2011. — Amira El Masaiti, The Seattle Times, "Morocco: Arab Spring anniversary brings reflection, beatings," 20 Feb. 2019 Net interest costs on the debt rose 7% in October and November, reflecting a gradual rise in interest rates since last fall. — Kate Davidson, WSJ, "Treasury: U.S. Budget Deficit Widened to $305 Billion in First Two Months of Fiscal 2019," 13 Dec. 2018 The Lang’ata crematorium is seeing a gradual rise in activity with at least one person now cremated weekly, said Maina Nderitu, an official there. — Washington Post, "Africa slowly turning to cremations, though long taboo," 26 May 2018 The Lang'ata crematorium is seeing a gradual rise in activity with at least one person now cremated weekly, said Maina Nderitu, an official there. — Rodney Muhumuza, Fox News, "Africa slowly turning to cremations, though long taboo," 26 May 2018

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.