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

The discussions point to more incremental progress in avoiding an escalation of tensions in a delicate trade relationship that has major consequences for the global economy. — CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Despite the regulatory hurdles, that incremental evolution has produced a wave of expansion announcements this year. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

When breakthroughs are elusive, pursuing incremental gains and the steady destruction of enemy capacity becomes attractive. — Nadia Schadlow, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026

Together, teens and adults generated nearly 60% of the industry’s incremental dollar gains in the first half, Circana said. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 18 Sep. 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