gradual

1 of 2

adjective

grad·​u·​al ˈgra-jə-wəl 

-jəl, 

ˈgraj-wəl

1

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

a gradual change in temperature

2

: proceeding by steps or degrees

a gradual climb to the top

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

variants often Gradual

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

Synonyms of gradual

Adjective

• incremental
• phased

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

Maryland will experience a gradual thaw this week after a winter storm and a long stretch of frigid weather. —Steven Sosna, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026

According to a forecast from AccuWeather, a gradual moderation in temperatures is expected to develop during the second week of February across the Midwest and eastern United States. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026

After several years of gradual development amid shifting roles and a major shoulder injury, Dosunmu cemented himself as an elite two-way player this season. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

An area of surface high pressure remains in place over the region through the middle of next week, so that should lead to gradual warming, meteorologist Sammy Hadi said in his Thursday afternoon weather overview. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar

First Known Use

Adjective

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gradual

adjective

grad·​u·​al

ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl, 

ˈgraj-əl

1

: proceeding by steps or degrees

2

: moving or changing by slight degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun