as in incremental
proceeding or changing by steps or degrees
a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months
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Recent Examples of gradual
Rain is expected to taper off by Saturday afternoon, with gradual clearing into the evening.
—
April 3, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Not only in romance, but in the gradual development of character, relationships, and prose.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
The deposits suggest that there might have been a gradual shift into the Cambrian.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026
When to See a Doctor If facial changes are gradual and persistent rather than fluctuating, and cluster with several of the symptoms above, a clinical evaluation is the right next step.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
April 3, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Not only in romance, but in the gradual development of character, relationships, and prose.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
The deposits suggest that there might have been a gradual shift into the Cambrian.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026
When to See a Doctor If facial changes are gradual and persistent rather than fluctuating, and cluster with several of the symptoms above, a clinical evaluation is the right next step.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
Adjective
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If safety first still matters, the state should not delay an incremental advance that will safeguard pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists.—
John Seng,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
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Most dedicated our lives to raising families, and to a more incremental, peaceful type of change.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Create phased repair plans for critical maintenance over 10 years.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
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Construction, which will include an exterior remodeling, is expected to begin later this year with phased openings, including additional retail, dining and wellness concepts, in 2028.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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