GRADUAL Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

gradual

adjective

ˈgra-jə-wəl

Definition of gradual

as in incremental

proceeding or changing by steps or degrees a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of gradual The shifts were far too sudden and widespread to be explained by gradual evolution. — Quanta Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026 The real worry is that, just as with Time and Newsweek, the destruction of the 60 Minutes brand will come not from a sudden collapse but a gradual erosion, in both quality and ratings. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026 The lighter everyday option uses one-button control, a gradual start, four modes and USB-C charging in a slim design. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 Some gradual strengthening was forecast over the coming days. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual

Adjective

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

Definition of incremental

Adjective

The company had submitted the exemption request on December 31, 2025, as part of the first phase of its phased Construction Permit Application.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026
The process features multiple layers of review, numerous strict subject-matter restrictions and a notoriously short, multi-phased signature-gathering window.

— Editorial, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of phased

Browse Nearby Words

grading

gradual

gradually

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of gradual

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nemesis

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes