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

Slow, incremental progress Some researchers question whether grade inflation is driving graduation rates higher than academic improvements, University of Chicago Professor Elaine Allensworth said. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

To estimate the incremental impact on off-price gross margins in 2027 under various ocean and domestic shipping rates, the analysts analyzed TJX’s gross margin (GM) pressure during the second half of 2021 and first half of 2022. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Remember, Linde's operating margin can be misleading due to cost pass-through dynamics, which see Linde pass the cost of higher fuel along to its customers, resulting in an incremental increase on the top line but no impact on profit margin. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2026

While some members appeared open to the ideas, others — including Councilwoman Althea Stevens (D-Bronx), who chairs the children and youth committee — insisted the time for incremental reforms has passed. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 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