GRADUAL Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

gradual

adjective

ˈgra-jə-wəl

Definition of gradual next

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

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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 OpenAI said that the gradual pace of the ads program was intentional. —

Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026 All three airlines are running bare-bones schedules, with recovery gradual and uncertain. —

Graham Rapier, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026 Her rise to local fame has been gradual. —

Xitlalic Montelongo, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026 Milwaukee saw a swing to warmer temperatures just days after the mid-March winter storm, but the snowfall was low enough and the warm-up gradual enough that no widespread flooding occurred across the city. —

Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gradual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gradual

Adjective

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
Most dedicated our lives to raising families, and to a more incremental, peaceful type of change.

— Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026