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
The gradual internationalization of the rupee is taking place against a background of trade volatility and tensions with America, the country’s largest trading partner.
—
Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Experts generally recommend gradual introductions in neutral spaces, perhaps after introducing scents to each other, and while watching both animals closely for signs of stress.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
The gradual nature of the hit to the consumer while occurring simultaneously with the slowdown in hiring made the Fed’s switch imperative.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025
Compression socks are designed to provide gradual pressure to your legs, which encourages blood flow and reduces swelling.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Experts generally recommend gradual introductions in neutral spaces, perhaps after introducing scents to each other, and while watching both animals closely for signs of stress.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
The gradual nature of the hit to the consumer while occurring simultaneously with the slowdown in hiring made the Fed’s switch imperative.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025
Compression socks are designed to provide gradual pressure to your legs, which encourages blood flow and reduces swelling.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gradual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual
Adjective
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Mamdani has taken a more aggressive approach than many traditional Democrats—who have historically championed incremental reform and avoided expansive tax policies targeting high earners.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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In fact, Apple could emerge as the ultimate winner in the AI shake-up, capturing incremental value regardless of which company leads the next phase of search.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Smaller organizations can migrate relatively quickly, but large enterprises with complex, mission-critical workloads will require extensive planning and phased implementations.—
Steve McDowell,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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Because of that overt threat, all of the hostage deals so far were designed as phased and gradual, according to an Israeli source with knowledge of the negotiations.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gradual. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
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