sequential
adjective
se·quen·tial
si-ˈkwen(t)-shəl 
2
: following in sequence
3
: relating to or based on a method of testing a statistical hypothesis that involves examination of a sequence of samples for each of which the decision is made to accept or reject the hypothesis or to continue sampling
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Things in sequence, or regular order, are arranged sequentially. Most novels and films move sequentially, but some use techniques such as flashbacks that interrupt the movement forward in time. Sequential courses in college must follow each other in the proper order, just like sequential tasks or steps.
Examples of sequential in a Sentence
Put the cards in sequential order.
explained that if the two required algebra semesters weren't sequential, the students would likely forget the material
Recent Examples on the Web
The research team developed a route-planning system for Astrobee, the ISS’s robotic assistant, that leverages sequential convex programming—a method that decomposes complex trajectory planning into smaller, tractable steps while guaranteeing safety and feasibility.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025
On a sequential basis, cargo theft is up 23 percent from the second quarter.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2025
What was key in the quarter was the sequential improvement from the second quarter, indicating that strategic initiatives put in place, including a repositioning of the DSW banner, are resonating with the shoe retailer’s customer base.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 9 Dec. 2025
CPUs have a small number of powerful cores running sequential general-purpose tasks, while GPUs have thousands of smaller cores more narrowly focused on parallel math like matrix multiplication.
—Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sequential
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Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025
On a sequential basis, cargo theft is up 23 percent from the second quarter.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2025
What was key in the quarter was the sequential improvement from the second quarter, indicating that strategic initiatives put in place, including a repositioning of the DSW banner, are resonating with the shoe retailer’s customer base.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 9 Dec. 2025
CPUs have a small number of powerful cores running sequential general-purpose tasks, while GPUs have thousands of smaller cores more narrowly focused on parallel math like matrix multiplication.
—Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sequential
Cite this Entry
“Sequential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sequential. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sequential
adjective
se·quen·tial
si-ˈkwen-chəl
1
: of, relating to, or arranged in a sequence
sequential file systems
2
: following in sequence
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