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
At an altitude of about 50,000 feet, at a velocity of some 300 mph, 11 parachutes will begin deploying in sequential fashion to further slow and stabilize the spacecraft.
—
Miles Doran, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Originally, the plan was for the Orion capsule to dip in and out of the atmosphere, like a skipping stone, to gradually shed some of its high velocity through sequential periods of friction with the atmosphere.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
What is emerging is a picture of an artist of profound mathematical acuity, who mobilized geometric, sequential, and modular forms to test hypotheses on interrelation, regeneration, and evolution in pursuit of mystical revelation.
—Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
While GPUs are ideal for training and running AI models because their thousands of cores can perform many operations simultaneously, CPUs have a smaller number of powerful cores running sequential general-purpose tasks.
—Lola Murti,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sequential
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Miles Doran, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026
Originally, the plan was for the Orion capsule to dip in and out of the atmosphere, like a skipping stone, to gradually shed some of its high velocity through sequential periods of friction with the atmosphere.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
What is emerging is a picture of an artist of profound mathematical acuity, who mobilized geometric, sequential, and modular forms to test hypotheses on interrelation, regeneration, and evolution in pursuit of mystical revelation.
—Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
While GPUs are ideal for training and running AI models because their thousands of cores can perform many operations simultaneously, CPUs have a smaller number of powerful cores running sequential general-purpose tasks.
—Lola Murti,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sequential
Cite this Entry
“Sequential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sequential. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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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