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

Current generations of drugs must generate the returns needed to fund future research, including the incremental advances that ultimately lead to major breakthroughs. —Sally C. Pipes, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026

For Khosla, the objective has never been incremental improvement. —Truebridge Capital, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

Under a new hitting staff led by John Soteropulos, Breslow has seen signs of incremental progress during a time when the offense has been without outfielder Roman Anthony. —Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Almario said the board has made incremental progress in fighting poverty, homelessness and providing adequate healthcare to those in need but is moving too slowly. —Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 27 May 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